modulation transfer function

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is a measure of how well an optical system—like a camera lens—can reproduce detail in an image. It assesses clarity by analyzing how different spatial frequencies (patterns of light and dark) are transmitted through the system. Simply put, MTF indicates how sharp and detailed an image will be at various levels of detail. A higher MTF means the system preserves more detail, resulting in a clearer picture. This concept is important in photography, microscopy, and imaging technologies, helping to evaluate the quality of lenses and imaging systems.