Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

The Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) curve is an information-dense metric that reflects how a lens reproduces contrast as spatial frequency (resolution) varies. MTF curves can be used to compare the performance of multiple lenses and can help determine if an application is actually feasible with the respective lens. They offer a composite view of how optical aberrations affect performance at a particular set of fundamental parameters dictated by the application’s need. It is important to understand that changing almost any setting on a vision system, including the fundamental parameters, will change the performance characteristics of the curve.