point spread function

The point spread function (PSF) describes how an imaging system captures a single point of light. Ideally, a point source would appear as a perfect dot, but due to system limitations like lens imperfections and diffraction, it appears blurred and spread out. The PSF characterizes this spreading effect, showing the distribution of light from a point source in the final image. Understanding the PSF helps improve image quality, deconvolve blurred images, and interpret data accurately across various fields like astronomy, microscopy, and imaging science.