Photonics Dictionary | Terms | Photonics Dictionary

aerial mapping

The use of photographs taken from the air to construct graphic maps and charts of ground surfaces.

aerocartography

The creation of topographical maps and charts from a stereographic record produced through the overlapping of consecutive aerial photographs by more than 50 percent.

computer graphics

Computer output in the form of pictorial representation (graphs, charts, drawings, etc.) that is displayed visually.

contour projection chart

A large-scale, precise drawing of the contours of a perfect mechanical part, often with plus and minus tolerances drawn or indicated. For quality control decisions, enlarged images of mechanically...

definition test object

A chart, either printed on paper or prepared photographically on glass plates or film, that consists of 3-bar resolution test objects, sine-wave test objects for modulation transfer function...

facsimile chart

Data gathered by a facsimile system and converted into graphic, readable form; generally used in meteorology. Also known as fax chart or fax map.

Foucault chart -> resolution target

A chart on paper or glass containing a series of sets of lines at progressively smaller spacing and used to ascertain the limiting number of lines per millimeter that an optical system is capable of...

gamma-ray spectrometer

An instrument used to detect and measure the energy distribution of gamma rays. It has been used to chart the radioactivity at the lunar surface.

lens testing equipment

Lens testing equipment refers to a range of specialized tools and instruments used to evaluate the optical performance, quality, and characteristics of lenses. These instruments are essential for...

linar

Celestial point sources that emit specific wavelengths of radiation that appear on spectral charts as narrow lines. The term linar is a contraction of line and star.

microphotofabrication

The formation of microimages for microreduction. The technique is used, for example, in the production of precision reticles or resolution charts. The sensitized materials used in the process must...

modulation transfer function analysis/measurement equipment

MTF analysis/measurement equipment refers to instruments and tools used to measure and analyze the modulation transfer function (MTF) of optical systems. The MTF is a quantitative measure of the...

Munsell Book Of Color

A collection of color samples arranged in charts according to equal visually spaced steps in Munsell hue, value and chroma.

resolution chart -> resolution target

A chart on paper or glass containing a series of sets of lines at progressively smaller spacing and used to ascertain the limiting number of lines per millimeter that an optical system is capable of...

resolution target

A chart on paper or glass containing a series of sets of lines at progressively smaller spacing and used to ascertain the limiting number of lines per millimeter that an optical system is capable of...

resolution test chart -> resolution target

A chart on paper or glass containing a series of sets of lines at progressively smaller spacing and used to ascertain the limiting number of lines per millimeter that an optical system is capable of...

resolving power chart -> resolution target

A chart on paper or glass containing a series of sets of lines at progressively smaller spacing and used to ascertain the limiting number of lines per millimeter that an optical system is capable of...

sine wave testing chart

A test chart whose luminance changes uniformly in one direction according to a sinusoidal rule. These charts carry groups of black lines on a white ground, the intensity profile across the lines...

Snellen letter

The letter form used on visual performance test charts. The overall letter height is equal to five times the thickness of individual strokes. Normal 20/20 vision is represented by the ability to...

space pattern

On a test chart, the pattern designed to direct and measure geometric distortion.

spectrogram

A chart formed by a spectrograph; the record of the spectral range. See spectrograph.

spectrum analyzer

A scanning device used to cyclically tune through a given frequency range to determine the amplitude-frequency distribution of the signals present, usually by displaying output on a chart or...

test chart -> resolution target

A chart on paper or glass containing a series of sets of lines at progressively smaller spacing and used to ascertain the limiting number of lines per millimeter that an optical system is capable of...

visual test chart

A series of high contrast block letters or similar objects arranged to permit the evaluation of eyesight in humans.

x-ray spectrogram

A chart of an x-ray diffraction pattern.

x-ray spectrograph

An instrument that is used to chart x-ray diffraction patterns, such as an x-ray spectrometer having photographic or other recording implements.

XY recorder

A recorder that plots, on a chart, the interaction between two variables, not directly representing time.