Use Of The OTF In The Cost/Performance Evaluation Of Space Telescopes

William S. Kovach

doi:10.1117/12.954007

1 June 1974 Use Of The OTF In The Cost/Performance Evaluation Of Space Telescopes

William S. Kovach

Proceedings Volume 0046, Image Assessment and Specification; (1974) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.954007
Event: Image Assessment and Specification, 1974, Rochester, United States

Abstract

The optical transfer function (OTF) can be used to give the first order performance characteristics of space telescope systems as a function of cost. Using the effective transfer functions of the optical system, instruments, sensors and communication system, a total system transfer function can be defined. Utilizing the properties of the transfer function, specific quality criteria are applied that are measures of certain astro-nomical objectives; such as imaging, photometry, spectroscopy, etc. The specific criteria are then related to a dominant independent variable which is a measure of the scientific objectives such as spatial resolution, at a given contrast level, for imaging and the amount of energy passing through a slit for spectroscopy. These measures can be related to a set of basic astronomical observations that are to be made by that particular telescope. Since nearly every sub-system has a cost-accuracy relationship, we can evaluate changes in subsystems to their corresponding impact on astronomical observations through changes in the transfer function of the system and the quality criteria.

Citation Download Citation

William S. Kovach "Use Of The OTF In The Cost/Performance Evaluation Of Space Telescopes", Proc. SPIE 0046, Image Assessment and Specification, (1 June 1974); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.954007

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