Evaluation and performance of a photographic system

The use of coherent sources in photographic processes has necessitated the discussion of coherent and partially coherent image formation. The limitation of linear systems analysis is very important and is brought out in partial coherent image analysis. Several cases of partially coherent and coherent image distributions have been investigated. The results for coherent illumination are formulated in terms of results of the intensity distribution on the image plane. In section one an investigation is made of a transilluminated object in partially coherent light. The effect is seen to be nonlinear. A more general object is then considered which operates in the reflection mode. A unique method is presented which describes the image intensity in terms of the object's coherence distribution. The performance of a diffraction limited photographic system's using coherent illumination is given graphically using the concept of a minimum resolvable object, which allows a prediction of system performance.