Analysis of the optical quality by determining the modulation transfer function for anterior corneal surface in myopes

AIM: To describe the characteristics of modulation transfer function (MTF) of anterior corneal surface, and obtain the the normal reference range of MTF at different spatial frequencies and optical zones of the anterior corneal surface in myopes. METHODS: Four hundred eyes from 200 patients were examined under SIRIUS corneal topography system. Phoenis analysis software was applied to simulate the MTF curves of anterior corneal surface at vertical and horizontal meridians at the 3, 4, 5, 6, 7mm optical zones of cornea. The MTF values at spatial frequencies of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 cycles/degree (c/d) were selected. RESULTS: The MTF curve of anterior corneal surface decreased rapidly from low to intermediate frequency (0-15cpd) at various optical zones of cornea, the value decreased to 0 slowly at higher frequency (>15cpd). With the increase of the optical zones of cornea, MTF curve decreased gradually. 3) In the range of 3 mm- 6 mm optical zones of the cornea, the MTF values measured at horizontal meridian were greater than the corresponding values at horizontal meridian of each spatial frequency, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). At 7 mm optical zones of cornea, the MTF values measured at horizontal meridian were less than the corresponding values at vertical meridian at 10-60 spatial frequencies (cpd), and the difference was statistically significant in 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 cpd(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: MTF can be used to describe the imaging quality of optical systems at anterior corneal surface objectively in detail.

Frequency stabilization of a 399-nm laser by modulation transfer spectroscopy in an ytterbium hollow cathode lamp

The modulation transfer spectroscopy in an ytterbium hollow cathode lamp at 399 nm is measured. The error signal for frequency locking is optimized by measuring the dependences of its slope, linewidth and magnitude on various parameters. Under the optimum condition, the laser frequency at 399 nm can be stabilized. The long-term stability of laser frequency is measured by monitoring the fluorescence signal of the ytterbium atomic beam induced by the locked laser. The laser frequency is shown to be tightly locked, and the stabilized laser is successfully applied to the cooling of ytterbium atoms.

Modulation transfer function characteristic of uniform-doping transmission-mode GaAs/GaAlAs photocathode

The resolution characteristic can be obtained by the modulation transfer function （MTF） of a GaAs/GaA1As photocathode. After establishing the theoretical model of GaAs（100）-oriented atomic configuration and the formula for the ionized impurity scattering of the non-equilibrium carriers, this paper calculates the trajectories of photoelectrons in a photocathode. Thus the distribution of photoelectron spots on the emit-face is obtained, which is namely the point spread function. The MTF is obtained by Fourier transfer of the line spread function obtained from the point spread function. The MTF obtained from these calculations is shown to depend heavily on the electron diffusion length, and enhanced considerably by decreasing the electron diffusion length and increasing the doping concentration. Furthermore, the resolution is enhanced considerably by increasing the active-layer thickness, especially at high spatial frequencies. The best spatial resolution is 860 lp/mm, for the GaAs photocathode of doping concentration 1 ×10^19 cm 3 electron diffusion length 3.6 μm and the active-layer thickness 2 μm, under the 633-nm light irradiated. This research will contribute to the future improvement of the cathode＇s resolution for preparing a high performance GaAs photocathode, and improve the resolution of a low light level image intensifier.

A 532 nm molecular iodine optical frequency standard based on modulation transfer spectroscopy

We report construction of an iodine-stabilized laser frequency standard at 532 nm based on modulation transfer spectroscopy(MTS)technology with good reproducibility.A frequency stability of 2.5×10^(-14)at 1 s averaging time is achieved,and the frequency reproducibility has a relative uncertainty of 3.5×10^(-13),demonstrating the great stability of our setup.The systematic uncertainty of the iodine-stabilized laser frequency standard is evaluated,especially the contribution of the residual amplitude modulation(RAM).The contribution of the RAM in MTS cannot be evaluated directly.To solve this problem,we theoretically deduce the MTS signal with RAM under large modulation depth,and prove that the non-symmetric shape of the MTS signal is directly related to the MTS effect.The non-symmetric shape factor can be calibrated with a frequency comb,and in real experiments,this value can be obtained by least-squares fitting of the MTS signal,from which we can infer the RAMinduced frequency shift.The full frequency uncertainty is evaluated to be 5.3 kHz(corresponding to a relative frequency uncertainty of 9.4×10^(-12)).The corrected transition frequency has a difference from the BIPM-recommended value of 2 kHz,which is within 1σ uncertainty,proving the validity of our evaluation.

A new modulation transfer function for ocean wave spectra retrieval from X-band marine radar imagery

When imaging ocean surface waves by X-band marine radar, the radar backscatter from the sea surface is modulated by the long surface gravity waves. The modulation transfer function （MTF） comprises tilt, hydrodynamic, and shadowing modulations. A conventional linear MTF was derived using HH-polarized radar observations under conditions of deep water. In this study, we propose a new quadratic polynomial MTF based on W-polarized radar measurements taken from heterogeneous nearshore wave fields. This new MTF is obtained using a radar-observed image spectrum and in situ buoy-measured wave frequency spectrum. We validate the MTF by comparing peak and mean wave periods retrieved from X-band marine radar image sequences with those measured by the buoy. It is shown that the retrieval accuracies of peak and mean wave periods of the new MTF are better than the conventional MTF. The results also show that the bias and root mean square errors of the peak and mean wave periods of the new MTF are 0.05 and 0.88 s, and 0.32 and 0.53 s, respectively, while those of the conventional MTF are 0.61 and 0.98 s, and 1.39 and 1.48 s, respectively. Moreover, it is also shown that the retrieval results are insensitive to the coefficients in the proposed MTF.

Comparison of the retinal modulation transfer function between amblyopes successfully corrected and normal subjects

AIM:To analyze the retinal modulation transfer function between amblyopes whose visual acuity was corrected to 5.0 and normal subjects at the same age. METHODS: RM-800 used to detect contrast sensitivity was adopted to measure MTF of 96 amblyopes (96 eyes) whose visual acuity was corrected to 5.0 and 80 normal controls (80 eyes) at the same age under six interference fringes (IVA=0.06, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8). RESULTS: The functional values of amblyopes were significantly lower than those of normal subjects in every fringe (P<0.01), especially in medium and high frequency. CONCLUSION: For amblyopes, MTF was still abnormal after stopping the treatments.

Fuzzy image restoration using modulation transfer function

The key difficulty of restoring a fuzzy image is to estimate its point spread function( PSF). In the paper,PSF is modelled based on modulation transfer function( MTF). The first step is calculating the image MTF. In the traditional slanted-edge method,a sub-block is always manually extracted from original image and its MTF will be viewed as the result of the whole image. However,handcraft extraction is inefficient and will lead to inaccurate results. Given this,an automatic MTF computation algorithm is proposed,which extracts and screens out all the effective sub-blocks and calculates their average MTF as the final result. Then,a two-dimensional MTF restoration model is constructed by multiplying the horizontal and vertical MTF,and it is combined with conventional image restoration methods to restore fuzzy image. Experimental results indicate the proposed method implementes a fast and accurate MTF computation and the MTF model improves the performance of conventional restoration methods significantly.

Modulation transfer spectroscopy based on acousto-optic modulator with zero frequency shift

We present a modulation transfer spectroscopy（MTS） configuration based on an acousto-optic modulator by using a variant of the typical double pass structure. One beam is modulated by using an acousto-optic modulator in opposite diffraction order to cancel the carrier frequency shift and produce a modulated pump beam. The line shape performance is investigated theoretically and experimentally. Laser frequency stabilization of the proposed configuration is demonstrated for the133 Cs ｜62 S1/2, F = 4 → ｜62 P3/2, F = 5 transition. The Allan deviations, which are measured by using beat note signals and the three-cornered hat method, are 3.6×10-11 in an integration time of 100 s and approximately 4×10-11 in a longer integration time.

Comparison of ocular modulation transfer function determined by a ray-tracing aberrometer and a double-pass system in early cataract patients

Background The evaluation of retinal image quality in cataract eyes has gained importance and the clinical modulation transfer functions （MTF） can obtained by aberrometer and double pass （DP） system. This study aimed to compare MTF derived from a ray tracing aberrometer and a DP system in early cataractous and normal eyes. Methods There were 128 subjects with 61 control eyes and 67 eyes with early cataract defined according to the Lens Opacities Classification System II1. A laser ray-tracing wavefront aberrometer （iTrace） and a double pass （DP） system （OQAS） assessed ocular MTF for 6.0 mm pupil diameters following dilation. Areas under the MTF （AUMTF） and their correlations were analyzed. Stepwise multiple regression analysis assessed factors affecting the differences between iTrace- and OQAS-derived AUMTF for the early cataract group. Results For both early cataract and control groups, iTrace-derived MTFs were higher than OQAS-derived MTFs across a range of spatial frequencies （P 〈0.01）. No significant difference between the two groups occurred for iTrace-derived AUMTF, but the early cataract group had significantly smaller OQAS-derived AUMTF than did the control group （P 〈0.01）. AUMTF determined from both the techniques demonstrated significant correlations with nuclear opacities, higher-order aberrations （HOAs）, visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity functions, while the OQAS-derived AUMTF also demonstrated significant correlations with age and cortical opacity grade. The factors significantly affecting the difference between iTrace and OQAS AUMTF were root-mean-squared HOAs （standardized beta coefficient=-0.63, P 〈0.01） and age （standardized beta coefficient=0.26, P 〈0.01）. Conclusions MTFs determined from a iTrace and a DP system （OQAS） differ significantly in early cataractous and normal subjects. Correlations with visual performance were higher for the DP system. OQAS-derived MTF may be useful as an indicator of visual performance in early cataract eyes.

Frequency Stabilization and Linewidth Narrowing with Modulation Transfer Spectroscopy

We report laser frequency stabilization with modulation transfer spectroscopy（MTS） on 85 Rb atoms. With both PZT（piezo-electric transducer） slow-loop feedback and current fastloop feedback to the laser head, we get a linewidth narrowing less than 5 kHz simultaneously. Laser injection to a laser diode and frequency beating with another polarization spectroscopy based stabilization setup are also employed to check the narrow linewidth property. With the help of the technique, a linewidth around k Hz-level laser is obtained and pave the way for the locking of the lattice laser of ytterbium clock with transfer cavity technique. The setup can be used as a frequency reference for precise frequency control of atomic clock system.

A Wave Modulation Model of Ripples over Long Surface Waves

A study is presented on the modulation of ripples induced by a long surface wave (LW) and a new theoretical modula-tion model is proposed. In this model, the wind surface stress modulation is related to the modulation of ripple spectrum. The model results show that in the case of LW propagating in the wind direction with the wave age parameter of LW increasing, the area with enhanced shear stress shifts from the region near the LW crest on the upwind slope to the LW trough. With a smaller wave age parameter of LW, the ripple modulation has the maximum on the upwind slope in the vicinity of LW crest, while with a larger parameter the enhancement of ripple spectrum does not occur in that region. At low winds the amplitude of ripple modulation transfer function (MTF) is larger in the gravity wave range, while at moderate or high winds it changes little in the range from short gravity waves to capillary waves.

Solving the atmospheric scattering optical transfer function using the multi-coupled single scattering method

The atmospheric scattering optical transfer function （OTF） is solved by applying the multi-coupled single scattering （MCSS） method to the three-dimensional radiative transfer equation （RTE） under the periodic ground condition. This approach is a direct hit to the atmospheric scattering OTF using the same original context of modulation transfer function （MTF） measurement, i.e., images of sinusoidal grating at different spatial frequencies. Both the amplitude and phase shift of the OTF at various zenith and azimuth angles can be obtained at an arbitrary spatial frequency.

Transfer of Highest Weight Modules and Small Unipotent Representations

We study the transfer between small special unipotent representations for all equal rank real forms of type E_(6) and E_(7). As a consequence, one can verify these modules are unitarity using the results of Wallach and Zhu. Moreover, the K-spectra of these modules can be obtained explicitly.

Temporal Characteristics of GaAs NEA and Alkali Metal Photocathodes

The temporal characteristics of GaAs NEA and alkali metal photocathodes are studied using Monte Carlo simulation method. The electron transit time and its distribution functions in the photocathodes are calculated. Based on the results, the time modulation transfer functions and temporal resolutions of the photocathodes are obtained. The results show that the response time and temporal resolution of alkali metal photocathode is in femitosecond order and those of GaAs NEA photocathode are in picosecond order.

Characterization of a Multimodal and Multispectral Led Imager: Application to Organic Polymer’s Microspheres with Diameter Φ = 10.2 μm

Multispectral microscopy enables information enhancement in the study of specimens because of the large spectral band used in this technique. A low cost multimode multispectral microscope using a camera and a set of quasi-monochromatic Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) ranging from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths as illumination sources was constructed. But the use of a large spectral band provided by non-monochromatic sources induces variation of focal plan of the imager due to chromatic aberration which rises up the diffraction effects and blurs the images causing shadow around them. It results in discrepancies between standard spectra and extracted spectra with microscope. So we need to calibrate that instrument to be a standard one. We proceed with two types of images comparison to choose the reference wavelength for image acquisition where diffraction effect is more reduced. At each wavelength chosen as a reference, one image is well contrasted. First, we compare the thirteen well contrasted images to identify that presenting more reduced shadow. In second time, we determine the mean of the shadow size over the images from each set. The correction of the discrepancies required measurements on filters using a standard spectrometer and the microscope in transmission mode and reflection mode. To evaluate the capacity of our device to transmit information in frequency domain, its modulation transfer function is evaluated. Multivariate analysis is used to test its capacity to recognize properties of well-known sample. The wavelength 700 nm was chosen to be the reference for the image acquisition, because at this wavelength the images are well contrasted. The measurement made on the filters suggested correction coefficients in transmission mode and reflection mode. The experimental instrument recognized the microsphere’s properties and led to the extraction of the standard transmittance and reflectance spectra. Therefore, this microscope is used as a conventional instrument.

The efifect of wave breaking on surface wave imaging by Synthetic Aperture Radar

The effect of ocean wave breaking as a non-Bragg mechanism on backscattering cross-section and modulation transfer functions （MTF） of radar was investigated based on Bragg resonance theory and parametric method. The result showed that the additional effect of wave breaking on backscattering cross-section is not more than 20% except for the small incident angle of VV polarized electromagnetic （e.m.） wave but is significant for HH polarized e.m. wave. Breaking waves lead to increase in the modulus of tilt modulation MTF and the larger the wind speed, the faster the increase. For large incident angle, the modulus of tilt modulation MTF with wave breaking decreases quickly with incident angle for HH polarization and approach to that without wave breaking for VV polarization. The hydrodynamic MTF increases 30%-60% when considering wave breaking and the increase is larger for HH polarization than for VV polarization.

A novel method to measure the isotope shifts and hyperfine splittings of all ytterbium isotopes for a 399-nm transition

We report the experimental results on measuring the isotope shifts and hyperfine splittings of all ytterbium isotopes for a 399-nm transition by using a quite simple and novel method. It benefits from the advantages of the modulation transfer spectroscopy in an ytterbium hollow cathode lamp and the Doppler-free spectroscopy in a collimated ytterbium atomic beam. The key technique in this experiment is simultaneously measuring the frequency separations of the two spectra twice, and the separation difference between two measurements is solely determined by the well-defined frequency of an acousto-optics modulator. Compared with the most of previously reported experimental results, ours are more accurate and completed, which will provide the useful information for developing a more accurate theoretical model to describe the interaction inside an ytterbium atom.

MTF Measurement of EBCCD Imaging System by Using Super Resolution Technique

Existing methods of measurement MTF for discrete imaging system are analysed. A slit target is frequently used to measure the MTF for an imaging system. Usually there are four methods to measure the MTF for a discrete imaging system by using a slit. These methods have something imperfect respectively. But for the discrete imaging systems of under sampling it is difficult to reproduce this type of target properly since frequencies above Nyquist are folded into those below Nyquist, resulting in aliasing effect. To tackle the aliasing problem, a super resolution technique is introduced into our measurement, which gives MTF values both above and below Nyquist more accurately.

Computed Tomography Protocol Optimisation for Pediatric Head Trauma: Radiation Dose and Image Quality Assessment

Purpose: Children are sometimes examined with Computed Tomography protocols designed for adults, leading to radiation doses higher than necessary. Lack of optimisation could lead to image quality higher than what is needed for diagnostic purposes with associated high doses to patients. Optimising the protocols for paediatric head trauma CT imaging will reduce radiation dose. Objective: The study aimed to optimise radiation dose and assess the image quality for a set of protocols by evaluating noise, a contrast to noise ratio, modulation transfer function and noise power spectrum. Methods: Somaton Sensation 64 was used to scan the head of an anthropomorphic phantom with a set of protocols. ImageJ software was used to analyse the paediatric head image from the scanner. IMPACTSCAN dosimeter software was used to evaluate the radiation dose to the various organs in the head. MATLAB was used to analyse the Modulation Transfer Function and the Noise Power. Results: The estimated Computed Tomography Dose Index volume (CTDIvol) increased with increasing tube current and tube voltage. The high pitch of 0.9 gave a lower dose than the 0.5 pitch. The eye lens received the highest radiation dose (39.2 mGy) whiles the thyroid received the least radiation dose (13.7 mGy). There was an increase in noise (62.46) when the H60 kernel was used and a lower noise (8.829) was noticed when the H30 kernel was used. Conclusion: The results obtained show that the H30 kernel (smooth kernel) gave higher values for noise and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) than the H60 kernel (sharp kernel). The H60 kernel produced high values for the modulation transfer function (MTF) and noise power spectrum (NPS). The eye lens received the highest radiation dose.

Simplified modeling of frequency behavior in photonic crystal vertical cavity surface emitting laser with tunnel injection quantum dot in active region

In this work, the characteristics of the photonic crystal tunneling injection quantum dot vertical cavity surface emitting lasers（Ph C-TIQD-VCSEL） are studied through analyzing a modified modulation transfer function. The function is based on the rate equations describing the carrier dynamics at different energy levels of dot and injector well. Although the frequency modulation response component associated with carrier dynamics in wetting layer（WL） and at excited state（ES） levels of dots limits the total bandwidth in conventional QD-VCSEL, our study shows that it can be compensated for by electron tunneling from the injector well into the dot in TIQD structure. Carrier back tunneling time is one of the most important parameters, and by increment of that, the bias current dependence of the total bandwidth will be insignificant. It is proved that at high bias current, the limitation of the WL-ES level plays an important role in reducing the total bandwidth and results in rollovers on 3-d B bandwidth-I curves. In such a way, for smaller air hole diameter of photonic crystal, the effect of this reduction is stronger.