Development of the modulation transfer function and contrast transfer function for discrete systems, particularly charge-coupled devices [also Comment 35(7), 2105-2106 (July 1996)]

The modulation transfer function (MTF) and contrast transfer function (CTF) are considered for discrete systems. The MTF and CTF are derived for the charge coupled device (CCD). The analysis presented considers the full effects of sampling on device response. Experimental tests of the CTF for a line-array CCD are presented. The MTF and CTF are shown to be multivalued functions for discrete systems.