The design of modern imaging systems is intricately concerned with the control of optical aberrations. Traditionally this involves a multi-parameter optimisation of the lens optics to achieve acceptable image quality at the detector. There is increasing interest in a more generalised approach whereby digital image processing is incorporated into the design process and the performance metric to be optimised is quality of the image at the output of the image processor. We will discuss the trade offs involved in the application of this technique to low-cost imaging systems for use in the thermal infrared and visible imaging systems, showing how very useful performance enhancements can be achieved in practical systems.

Date Published: 2 October 2008
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 7113, Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications V, 71130D (2 October 2008); doi: 10.1117/12.800651

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 7113:
Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems: Technology and Applications V
David A. Huckridge; Reinhard R. Ebert, Editor(s)