Characterization of the atmospheric modulation transfer function using the target contrast characterizer

Wendell R. Watkins; Daniel R. Billingsley; Fernando R. Palacios; Samuel B. Crow; Jay B. Jordan

doi:10.1117/12.45748

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1 July 1991 Characterization of the atmospheric modulation transfer function using the target contrast characterizer

Wendell R. Watkins, Daniel R. Billingsley, Fernando R. Palacios, Samuel B. Crow, Jay B. Jordan

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Proceedings Volume 1486, Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45748
Event: Orlando '91, 1991, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

An experimental tool and set of experiments for estimating the short and long exposure atmospheric modulation transfer function (AMTF) in the infrared are described. Measurements are presented using a new technique of simultaneously comparing close-up infrared images with optically matched distant images to isolate distortions due to atmospheric turbulence. A unique large area (1.8 m X 1.8 m) uniform temperature blackbody with spatial bar patterns is used as a target for the experiments. The AMTF is measured as a function of changing atmospheric conditions with thermally induced turbulence assessed in terms of changes in the measure of the AMTF. Additionally, imagery obtained during quiescent atmospheric conditions is used to characterize the system transfer function of the near-field imager and enhance the near-field image spatial resolution.

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Wendell R. Watkins, Daniel R. Billingsley, Fernando R. Palacios, Samuel B. Crow, and Jay B. Jordan "Characterization of the atmospheric modulation transfer function using the target contrast characterizer", Proc. SPIE 1486, Characterization, Propagation, and Simulation of Sources and Backgrounds, (1 July 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.45748

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