International 
OPEN ACCESS Journal 
Of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER) 
| IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 80| 
Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter 
P Thirupathi1, T Ramakrishna Goud2 
1Department of Mathematics, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, 
India 
2Department of Mathematics, University College of Science Saifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 
Telangana, India 
I. Introduction 
It is well-known that the image of a point object obtained even with a diffraction limited system is not a 
point. There is a spread of light flux over a considerable region of space in the focus of the image plane, the 
actual nature of the spread, known as the Point Spread Function is controlled by the size and shape of the 
aperture and the type of the non-uniformity of transmission. The importance of this was first realized by 
LOMMEL [1] and he developed the theory of the distribution of light at and near the focus of an optical 
system with a circular aperture. In the present paper, we shall present the results of our studies on one of the 
most important image-quality assessment parameters, the Strehl ratio which is based on the point-spread 
function of the optical system and is apodised with higher-order parabolic filters. Initially, the Strehl ratio was 
introduced as “Definitionshelligkeit” by its originator Strehl himself. In its original nomenclature, the term 
“definition” was used to mean “distinctness” of an outline or detail in the image. 
II. Previous Studies on Strehl-Ratio 
Strehl ratio[2,3] is an important quality assessment parameter for imaging systems and its 
maximization by the use of amplitude filters has been attempted by several workers. BARAKAT [4], in his 
study on solutions to Lunenburg’s apodization problems, investigated the Strehl ratio for both circular and slit 
apertures. It is not a physically measurable quantity in the strict sense of the word but nevertheless is a common 
measure of theoretical performance of the system. WILKINS [5], while solving the modified Lunenburg 
apodization problems discussed the Strehl ratio. BARAKAT and HOUSTON [6] computed Strehl ratio for 
an annular aperture possessing third-order and fifth- order spherical aberration. They have adopted the approach 
of MARECHAL [7] to minimize the mean square deviation of the wave front and hence maximize the Strehl 
ratio. 
DEVELIS [8], in his study of comparisons of methods of evaluation, discussed the Strehl ratio and its 
relation to Marechal tolerance. HOPKINS [9] stated that for highly corrected optical systems, that is those 
substantially satisfying the Rayleigh quarter-wave criterion, the Strehl ratio may be used as diffraction based 
criterion of image quality. Strehl ratio, for circular apertures with a ring- shaped  - phase change, has been 
investigated by ASAKURA and MISHINA [10]. This work has been extended by ASAKURA and NAGAI 
[11] to modify annular and annulus apertures. It has been found that the Strehl ratio is always reduced in 
comparison with that of a clear aperture as long as the semi-transparent and phase annulus aperture is used. 
KUSAKAWA [12] has studied the problem of finding the pupil function which minimizes the 
dispersion factor (Excluded energy), subject to the condition that the Strehl ratio, must have a certain 
prespecified value. The relation between the minimum obtainable second order-moment and the prespecified 
Strehl ratio has been discussed by them. HAZRA [13] studied the problem of maximization of Strehl ratio for 
the more general case of partially space-coherent illumination. Hazra restated the criterion of “maximization of 
Strehl ratios” as the criterion of “maximization of effective central illumination within a circle of 
infinitesimally small radius around the centre of the diffraction pattern”. The apodization problem of 
Abstract: In all the branches of science, engineering and technology, it is known that the output due to 
an input impulse function, spatial or temporal, is never an impulse. There is a spread of the input impulse 
function in the output due to the noise introduced by the physical device. It was Strehl who first 
introduced the important image-quality assessment parameter “Definitionshelligkeit” or simply known 
as the Strehl Ratio (SR) after his name. In this paper, we have studied this parameter for an optical 
system apodised with the higher-order super-resolving parabolic filters. The results obtained have been 
discussed graphically. 
Key-words: Mathematical Optics, Higher order Parabolic Filters, Fourier Optics, Strehl Ratio ….. etc.
Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter 
| IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 81| 
finding the diffraction pattern has specified Sparrow limit of resolution and the maximum possible Strehl 
criterion has been solved by PENG and WILKINS [14], for both incoherent and coherent illumination, 
respectively. MAHAJAN [15] calculated the Strehl ratio, quite accurately from the phase aberration variance. 
KIBE and WILLIAMS [16] have studied Strehl ratio for a specified Rayleigh limit and for maximum central 
irradiance. McCUTCHEN’S theorem has been used by LOHMANN and OJEDA CASTANEDA [17], to derive 
the condition for axial symmetry and periodicity of Strehl ratio, which may serve as a focus criterion. 
Formulae for estimating the Strehl, coefficient in the presence of third and Fifth-order aberrations as 
well as defocusing have been obtained by GRAMMATIN and OKISHEVA [18]. RAMNATHAN [19] 
examined the effect of Kaiser Pupils on the Strehl ratio. MURTY [20], used co-sinusoidal filters and 
investigated the influence of apodization and defocusing, with both circular and annular apertures on Strehl 
ratio. SURENDAR [21] has evaluated the Strehl ratio for apodised optical systems, circular and annular, 
using Lanczo’s filters and determined that apodisations in combination with obscuration further lowers the 
Strehl ratio. KARUNASAGAR [22] has evaluated the Strehl ratio for both circular and annular apertures 
apodised with generalized Hanning filters for the first, second, third and the fourth orders of the filter 
considered. A good account and a comprehensive review on Strehl ratio can be found in the reference [23]. 
III. Definition of Strehl ratio 
STREHL suggested the use of the relative intensity of the diffraction as a measure of the image 
quality. The strehl ratio (SR) is defined as the ratio of the central intensity of the PSF of the system and that of 
the uniform pupil function for diffraction limited system. 
  
  
0,0 
0,0 
I 
p 
SR 
I 
A 
 …………… (1) 
Where the subscripts P and A referred to the parabolic and Airy pupils respectively. I 
p 
(0,0) represent the 
intensity point spread function at centre (0,0) of the diffraction pattern due to the optical system used and 
I 
A 
(0,0) represent the same for the diffraction-limited perfect system. According to the above expression for 
SR can be written in terms of respective pupil function as follows. Therefore, 
  
  
2 
2 
0,0 
0,0 
G 
p 
SR 
G 
A 
 ……………(2) 
Where the symbol P G and A G stand for the point spread function for the actual optical system used and the 
perfect system respectively, thus, 
  
2 
1 
0 
SR 4 f r rdr 
  
   
  
 ……………..(3) 
Where f(r)= 
N ( r ) 2   where N=2,3,4&5. 
Thus finally, 
SR= 
2 
1 
0 
2 ) ( 4  
 
 
 
  r rdr N   ……………(4)
Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter 
| IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 82| 
Fig:1 Second order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75 Fig:2 Third order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75 Fig:3 Fourth order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75
Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter 
| IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 83| 
Fig:4 Fifth order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75 
IV. Results and Discussions 
Fig 1 to 4 represents the SR curves for values of   0,0.25.0.5&0.75 with β=0 to 1 with 
deference 0.1. It is observed from the figures that for all the values of , as the values of  are increased, 
over all curves increases, maintaining of course, their super-resolving parabolic shape. The most important 
feature to be observed in this figure is that the order increasing then all the curves starts from origin i.e. for 
second order the curves start from deferent values and the fourth and fifth order the curves start from origin. If 
the order increasing the  =0 curve coincide with the  -axis. 
In the figure 1,,2,3&4 we have shown variation of Strehl ratio with various values of apodisations 
parameter and for various values of the D.C.bias  =0,0.25,0.5,0.75 it is observed from the figures that the 
various SR curves for all the values of  are parabola curves. These curves can therefore, be mathematically 
represented by the following equation. 
SR= 
2   r ……….(5) 
Where m is the slope of SR curve and  is its intercept on the SR-axis. The important point to be 
mentioned here is that the effect of  on the SR values is quantitatively different. Quantitatively, however, the 
SR values depend prominently on the  values. Because, higher is the value of  the Strehl ratio values are 
quantitatively higher than those for lower values of . However, it must be pointed out that we can not increase 
the value of  indefinitely in order to keep the over-all value of f(r)  1, in order to satisfy the fundamental 
passivity condition of an optical system. 
REFERENCES 
[1]. LOMMEL, E., Abh.Bayer Akad., vol.15, Abth.2, 1885 
[2]. STREHL, K., (1895), Z.f Instrummkede, 15, 364 
[3]. STREHL, K., (1902), Z., f Instrumkde, 22, 213 
[4]. BARAKAT, R. (1962), J. Opt, Soc. Am., 52, 264, 276 & 985. 
[5]. WILKINS, J. E., Jr., (1963), J, Opt, Soc, Am., 53, 420. 
[6]. BARAKAT, R. and HOUSTON, A., (1963), J. Opt. Soc. Am., 53, 1244. 
[7]. MARECHAL, A., (1947), Rev, Opt., 26, 257 
[8]. DEVELIS, J.B., (1965), J. Opt. Soc. Am., 55,165 
[9]. HOPKINS, H. H., (1966), Opt, Acta. 13, 343. 
[10]. ASAKURA, T., MISHINA, H., (1970), Jap. J. Appl. Phys., 9,195 
[11]. ASAKURA, T., NAGAI, S., (1971), J, Appl, Phys., (Japon), 10,879. 
[12]. KUSAKAWA, T., (1972), Jap, J, Appl, Phys., 11,1632. 
[13]. HAZRA, L.N., (1975), j.Opt, (India), 4, 51. 
[14]. PENG, W. P., WILKINS, J.E., Jr, (1975), J, Opt, Sci, Am., 65, 1292 
[15]. MAHAJAN, V.N., (1983), Appl, Opt., 22 3035
Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter 
| IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 84| 
[16]. KIBE, J.N., WILKINS, J.E., Jr., (1984), J, Opt, Soc, Am, A., 1,337. [17]. LOHMANN, A.W., OJEDA-CASTNEDA, J, (1984), Opt, Acta, 31, 603 [18]. GRAMMATIN, A.P., OKISHEVA, E.V., (1986), Sov, J, Opt, Techno (USA), 53,460 [19]. RAMANATHAN, S., (1986), Ph.D, Thesis, p, 41. Osmania Univ, Hyderabad. [20]. MURTY, P.V.V.S., (1992), p.32, in Thesis entitled ” Studies on Diffracted Field and Imaging Characteristics of Optical Systems with Co sinusoidal Apodisations Filters”, presented to Osmania University, for Ph.D. [21]. SURENDAR, K., (1993), P, 69, Ph.D Thesis, “Studies on Diffracted Field and Image Characteristics of Optical Systems Apodised with Lanczo Filters” SURENDAR, K., GOUD, S, L., MONDAL, P.K., (1992), Acta ,Cienca Indica 18, P, 6134 [22]. KARUNASAGAR, D., (2003), p, 62, Ph.D Thesis: “Studies on the Performance of Optical Systems Apodised with Generalized Hanning amplitude Filters” [23]. RATHNAM, C., “Fourier Analytical Investigations on the performance of multiple-Annuli coded Aperture in multiplexed Tomography”, Ph.D thesis, Osmania University, Hyderabad, A.P, India, 2005. [24] P Thirupathi 1 , Sreehari Pagidipally 2 “Strehl Ratio of Point Spread Function with First-Order Parabolic Filter” International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 Vol. 3 Issue 3, March – 2014.

Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter

  • 1.
    International OPEN ACCESSJournal Of Modern Engineering Research (IJMER) | IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 80| Strehl Ratio with Higher-Order Parabolic Filter P Thirupathi1, T Ramakrishna Goud2 1Department of Mathematics, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India 2Department of Mathematics, University College of Science Saifabad, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India I. Introduction It is well-known that the image of a point object obtained even with a diffraction limited system is not a point. There is a spread of light flux over a considerable region of space in the focus of the image plane, the actual nature of the spread, known as the Point Spread Function is controlled by the size and shape of the aperture and the type of the non-uniformity of transmission. The importance of this was first realized by LOMMEL [1] and he developed the theory of the distribution of light at and near the focus of an optical system with a circular aperture. In the present paper, we shall present the results of our studies on one of the most important image-quality assessment parameters, the Strehl ratio which is based on the point-spread function of the optical system and is apodised with higher-order parabolic filters. Initially, the Strehl ratio was introduced as “Definitionshelligkeit” by its originator Strehl himself. In its original nomenclature, the term “definition” was used to mean “distinctness” of an outline or detail in the image. II. Previous Studies on Strehl-Ratio Strehl ratio[2,3] is an important quality assessment parameter for imaging systems and its maximization by the use of amplitude filters has been attempted by several workers. BARAKAT [4], in his study on solutions to Lunenburg’s apodization problems, investigated the Strehl ratio for both circular and slit apertures. It is not a physically measurable quantity in the strict sense of the word but nevertheless is a common measure of theoretical performance of the system. WILKINS [5], while solving the modified Lunenburg apodization problems discussed the Strehl ratio. BARAKAT and HOUSTON [6] computed Strehl ratio for an annular aperture possessing third-order and fifth- order spherical aberration. They have adopted the approach of MARECHAL [7] to minimize the mean square deviation of the wave front and hence maximize the Strehl ratio. DEVELIS [8], in his study of comparisons of methods of evaluation, discussed the Strehl ratio and its relation to Marechal tolerance. HOPKINS [9] stated that for highly corrected optical systems, that is those substantially satisfying the Rayleigh quarter-wave criterion, the Strehl ratio may be used as diffraction based criterion of image quality. Strehl ratio, for circular apertures with a ring- shaped  - phase change, has been investigated by ASAKURA and MISHINA [10]. This work has been extended by ASAKURA and NAGAI [11] to modify annular and annulus apertures. It has been found that the Strehl ratio is always reduced in comparison with that of a clear aperture as long as the semi-transparent and phase annulus aperture is used. KUSAKAWA [12] has studied the problem of finding the pupil function which minimizes the dispersion factor (Excluded energy), subject to the condition that the Strehl ratio, must have a certain prespecified value. The relation between the minimum obtainable second order-moment and the prespecified Strehl ratio has been discussed by them. HAZRA [13] studied the problem of maximization of Strehl ratio for the more general case of partially space-coherent illumination. Hazra restated the criterion of “maximization of Strehl ratios” as the criterion of “maximization of effective central illumination within a circle of infinitesimally small radius around the centre of the diffraction pattern”. The apodization problem of Abstract: In all the branches of science, engineering and technology, it is known that the output due to an input impulse function, spatial or temporal, is never an impulse. There is a spread of the input impulse function in the output due to the noise introduced by the physical device. It was Strehl who first introduced the important image-quality assessment parameter “Definitionshelligkeit” or simply known as the Strehl Ratio (SR) after his name. In this paper, we have studied this parameter for an optical system apodised with the higher-order super-resolving parabolic filters. The results obtained have been discussed graphically. Key-words: Mathematical Optics, Higher order Parabolic Filters, Fourier Optics, Strehl Ratio ….. etc.
  • 2.
    Strehl Ratio withHigher-Order Parabolic Filter | IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 81| finding the diffraction pattern has specified Sparrow limit of resolution and the maximum possible Strehl criterion has been solved by PENG and WILKINS [14], for both incoherent and coherent illumination, respectively. MAHAJAN [15] calculated the Strehl ratio, quite accurately from the phase aberration variance. KIBE and WILLIAMS [16] have studied Strehl ratio for a specified Rayleigh limit and for maximum central irradiance. McCUTCHEN’S theorem has been used by LOHMANN and OJEDA CASTANEDA [17], to derive the condition for axial symmetry and periodicity of Strehl ratio, which may serve as a focus criterion. Formulae for estimating the Strehl, coefficient in the presence of third and Fifth-order aberrations as well as defocusing have been obtained by GRAMMATIN and OKISHEVA [18]. RAMNATHAN [19] examined the effect of Kaiser Pupils on the Strehl ratio. MURTY [20], used co-sinusoidal filters and investigated the influence of apodization and defocusing, with both circular and annular apertures on Strehl ratio. SURENDAR [21] has evaluated the Strehl ratio for apodised optical systems, circular and annular, using Lanczo’s filters and determined that apodisations in combination with obscuration further lowers the Strehl ratio. KARUNASAGAR [22] has evaluated the Strehl ratio for both circular and annular apertures apodised with generalized Hanning filters for the first, second, third and the fourth orders of the filter considered. A good account and a comprehensive review on Strehl ratio can be found in the reference [23]. III. Definition of Strehl ratio STREHL suggested the use of the relative intensity of the diffraction as a measure of the image quality. The strehl ratio (SR) is defined as the ratio of the central intensity of the PSF of the system and that of the uniform pupil function for diffraction limited system.     0,0 0,0 I p SR I A  …………… (1) Where the subscripts P and A referred to the parabolic and Airy pupils respectively. I p (0,0) represent the intensity point spread function at centre (0,0) of the diffraction pattern due to the optical system used and I A (0,0) represent the same for the diffraction-limited perfect system. According to the above expression for SR can be written in terms of respective pupil function as follows. Therefore,     2 2 0,0 0,0 G p SR G A  ……………(2) Where the symbol P G and A G stand for the point spread function for the actual optical system used and the perfect system respectively, thus,   2 1 0 SR 4 f r rdr         ……………..(3) Where f(r)= N ( r ) 2   where N=2,3,4&5. Thus finally, SR= 2 1 0 2 ) ( 4       r rdr N   ……………(4)
  • 3.
    Strehl Ratio withHigher-Order Parabolic Filter | IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 82| Fig:1 Second order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75 Fig:2 Third order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75 Fig:3 Fourth order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75
  • 4.
    Strehl Ratio withHigher-Order Parabolic Filter | IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 83| Fig:4 Fifth order: Variation of SR with β for α=0, 0.25, 0.5& 0.75 IV. Results and Discussions Fig 1 to 4 represents the SR curves for values of   0,0.25.0.5&0.75 with β=0 to 1 with deference 0.1. It is observed from the figures that for all the values of , as the values of  are increased, over all curves increases, maintaining of course, their super-resolving parabolic shape. The most important feature to be observed in this figure is that the order increasing then all the curves starts from origin i.e. for second order the curves start from deferent values and the fourth and fifth order the curves start from origin. If the order increasing the  =0 curve coincide with the  -axis. In the figure 1,,2,3&4 we have shown variation of Strehl ratio with various values of apodisations parameter and for various values of the D.C.bias  =0,0.25,0.5,0.75 it is observed from the figures that the various SR curves for all the values of  are parabola curves. These curves can therefore, be mathematically represented by the following equation. SR= 2   r ……….(5) Where m is the slope of SR curve and  is its intercept on the SR-axis. The important point to be mentioned here is that the effect of  on the SR values is quantitatively different. Quantitatively, however, the SR values depend prominently on the  values. Because, higher is the value of  the Strehl ratio values are quantitatively higher than those for lower values of . However, it must be pointed out that we can not increase the value of  indefinitely in order to keep the over-all value of f(r)  1, in order to satisfy the fundamental passivity condition of an optical system. REFERENCES [1]. LOMMEL, E., Abh.Bayer Akad., vol.15, Abth.2, 1885 [2]. STREHL, K., (1895), Z.f Instrummkede, 15, 364 [3]. STREHL, K., (1902), Z., f Instrumkde, 22, 213 [4]. BARAKAT, R. (1962), J. Opt, Soc. Am., 52, 264, 276 & 985. [5]. WILKINS, J. E., Jr., (1963), J, Opt, Soc, Am., 53, 420. [6]. BARAKAT, R. and HOUSTON, A., (1963), J. Opt. Soc. Am., 53, 1244. [7]. MARECHAL, A., (1947), Rev, Opt., 26, 257 [8]. DEVELIS, J.B., (1965), J. Opt. Soc. Am., 55,165 [9]. HOPKINS, H. H., (1966), Opt, Acta. 13, 343. [10]. ASAKURA, T., MISHINA, H., (1970), Jap. J. Appl. Phys., 9,195 [11]. ASAKURA, T., NAGAI, S., (1971), J, Appl, Phys., (Japon), 10,879. [12]. KUSAKAWA, T., (1972), Jap, J, Appl, Phys., 11,1632. [13]. HAZRA, L.N., (1975), j.Opt, (India), 4, 51. [14]. PENG, W. P., WILKINS, J.E., Jr, (1975), J, Opt, Sci, Am., 65, 1292 [15]. MAHAJAN, V.N., (1983), Appl, Opt., 22 3035
  • 5.
    Strehl Ratio withHigher-Order Parabolic Filter | IJMER | ISSN: 2249–6645 | www.ijmer.com | Vol. 4 | Iss.11| Nov. 2014 | 84| [16]. KIBE, J.N., WILKINS, J.E., Jr., (1984), J, Opt, Soc, Am, A., 1,337. [17]. LOHMANN, A.W., OJEDA-CASTNEDA, J, (1984), Opt, Acta, 31, 603 [18]. GRAMMATIN, A.P., OKISHEVA, E.V., (1986), Sov, J, Opt, Techno (USA), 53,460 [19]. RAMANATHAN, S., (1986), Ph.D, Thesis, p, 41. Osmania Univ, Hyderabad. [20]. MURTY, P.V.V.S., (1992), p.32, in Thesis entitled ” Studies on Diffracted Field and Imaging Characteristics of Optical Systems with Co sinusoidal Apodisations Filters”, presented to Osmania University, for Ph.D. [21]. SURENDAR, K., (1993), P, 69, Ph.D Thesis, “Studies on Diffracted Field and Image Characteristics of Optical Systems Apodised with Lanczo Filters” SURENDAR, K., GOUD, S, L., MONDAL, P.K., (1992), Acta ,Cienca Indica 18, P, 6134 [22]. KARUNASAGAR, D., (2003), p, 62, Ph.D Thesis: “Studies on the Performance of Optical Systems Apodised with Generalized Hanning amplitude Filters” [23]. RATHNAM, C., “Fourier Analytical Investigations on the performance of multiple-Annuli coded Aperture in multiplexed Tomography”, Ph.D thesis, Osmania University, Hyderabad, A.P, India, 2005. [24] P Thirupathi 1 , Sreehari Pagidipally 2 “Strehl Ratio of Point Spread Function with First-Order Parabolic Filter” International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) ISSN: 2278-0181 Vol. 3 Issue 3, March – 2014.