Point Spread Function
The Point Spread Function (PSF) describes how a point source of light is represented in an imaging system. It characterizes the response of the system to a single point of light, showing how that point is spread out or blurred in the resulting image. The PSF is crucial in fields like optics, astronomy, and medical imaging, as it helps in understanding the resolution and quality of images produced by various devices.
In practical terms, the PSF can be influenced by factors such as lens aberrations, detector characteristics, and environmental conditions. By analyzing the PSF, scientists and engineers can improve imaging techniques, enhance image clarity, and develop better algorithms for image processing. Understanding the PSF is essential for accurate interpretation of images in both research and clinical settings.