Image analyzers acquire the image formed by the optical system under test, converting the optical image into an electronic image to be analyzed by the OpTest™ Optical Testing System. Optikos uses two types of image acquisition methods — video acquisition and scanning. The type of system most appropriate to a particular application depends on the type of optical system to be tested and the testing environment.
- A video image analyzer acquires the image by enlarging (magnifying) it onto an image sensor such as a CCD or microbolometer array.
- A scanning system acquires the image information by measuring the variation in the light level as an edge or slit is translated through the image plane.
VideoMTF ® Image Analyzers
Video scanning is not difficult. A focal plane array or image sensor-based system using the VideoMTF ® Image Analysis Module will perform the image scanning quickly and allow you to directly view the image. This greatly speeds and simplifies system setup since both the image location and the plane of best focus can be determined quickly. We recommend using the VideoMTF ® module if you are testing in single wavebands, and where the optics to be tested have moderate F/numbers. The VideoMTF ® module can also be used for testing complete camera systems with compatible signal output.
Optikos offers three VideoMTF ® Image Analyzer models featuring various spectral responses:
- VI-100 for VIS/NIR response
- VI-200 for extended NIR response
- VI-300 for LWIR response
EROS™ Image Analyzers
A source scanning or knife-edge scanning system is inherently more flexible for testing a wider range of optical systems. There is a larger variety of single element detectors available compared with array detectors. Collection and relay optics do not need to provide the image quality that is required by video scanning. With the EROS™ Image Scanning Module, relay optics collect light from the test optic’s image plane and project it onto the detector. We recommend a scanning configuration for testing over several wavelength bands (UV, Visible, SWIR, MWIR,LWIR) and/or when some of the optics under test are very fast.
Optikos offers three EROS™ Image Analyzer models featuring various spectral responses:
- SI-100 for VIS/NIR response
- SD-500 for SWIR/MWIR response
- SD-600 for LWIR response
