Standardization of lens MTF measurements: a gauge R&R study

Modulation transfer function (MTF) is a critical optical measurement that represents the image resolution available from a single lens or an optical system. Although a critical measurement, MTF measurements are in urgent need of improved standardization. To address this critical technical issue, the U.S. Army and Peak Nano Optics, LLC. have executed a Gauge R&R (repeatability and reproducibility) study between lens metrology equipment measuring a common group of lenses at different facilities. The Gauge R&R study was designed to sort out the variations in a measurement process attributable to the equipment operators, the measurement procedures, the metrology equipment, and variation in the samples being measured.