Image quality vs. sensitivity: fundamental sensor system engineering

Carl F. Schueler

doi:10.1117/12.800922

25 August 2008 Image quality vs. sensitivity: fundamental sensor system engineering

Carl F. Schueler

Proceedings Volume 7087, Remote Sensing System Engineering; 708708 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800922
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2008, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper focuses on the fundamental system engineering tradeoff driving almost all remote sensing design efforts, affecting complexity, cost, performance, schedule, and risk: image quality vs. sensitivity. This single trade encompasses every aspect of performance, including radiometric accuracy, dynamic range and precision, as well as spatial, spectral, and temporal coverage and resolution. This single trade also encompasses every aspect of design, including mass, dimensions, power, orbit selection, spacecraft interface, sensor and spacecraft functional trades, pointing or scanning architecture, sensor architecture (e.g., field-of-view, optical form, aperture, f/#, material properties), electronics, mechanical and thermal properties. The relationship between image quality and sensitivity is introduced based on the concepts of modulation transfer function (MTF) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) with examples to illustrate the balance to be achieved by the system architect to optimize cost, complexity, performance and risk relative to end-user requirements.

Citation Download Citation

Carl F. Schueler "Image quality vs. sensitivity: fundamental sensor system engineering", Proc. SPIE 7087, Remote Sensing System Engineering, 708708 (25 August 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.800922

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