Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and exposure time for imaging systems with photon-limited noise

Robert L. Lucke; R. A. Kessel

doi:10.1117/1.2205850

1 May 2006 Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and exposure time for imaging systems with photon-limited noise

Robert L. Lucke, R. A. Kessel

Author Affiliations +

Optical Engineering, Vol. 45, Issue 5, 056403 (May 2006). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2205850

Abstract

We present simple, mathematically tractable definitions of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for imaging systems when photon-counting statistics are the dominant source of noise. These definitions lead to a simple expression for CNR that is convenient for comparing images taken under different conditions and/or in different wave bands. Furthermore, this real-space CNR is directly proportional to the SNR in Fourier space. The sampling factor Q with which a focal plane array records an image is shown to be a primary determinant of exposure time and of SNR. If Q is known (or assumed), the f-number, resolution, and pixel size are not required.

©(2006) Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)

Citation Download Citation

Robert L. Lucke and R. A. Kessel "Signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, and exposure time for imaging systems with photon-limited noise," Optical Engineering 45(5), 056403 (1 May 2006). https://doi.org/10.1117/1.2205850

Published: 1 May 2006

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