Information, resolution, and space–bandwidth product
- 15 September 1998
- journal article
- Published by Optica Publishing Group in Optics Letters
- Vol. 23 (18), 1477-9
- https://doi.org/10.1364/ol.23.001477
Abstract
The information capacities of two-dimensional optical low-pass channels are discussed. Coherent and incoherent systems operating under finite optical power and area constraints are characterized in terms of two criteria:spacebandwidth product (SBP; the number of pixels required for achieving maximum information capacity) and resolution (G(min); the smallest spot size capable of supporting positive capacity gain). A coherent system operating with an initial signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 5 can achieve a 48% capacity gain by operating at an optimal SBP that is 3.4 times that of the nominal system. The same system has a resolution that is 0.31 times nominal. Incoherent systems experience additional SNR loss, and with an initial SNR of 5 they achieve capacity gains of 29% at the optimal SBP of 2.8 times nominal. The incoherent system resolution is found to be 0.4 times nominal.Keywords
This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:
- Resolution: a surveyJournal of the Optical Society of America A, 1997
- Resolving Power of Calculated and Detected ImagesJournal of the Optical Society of America, 1961