Which MTF score indicates the highest imaging capability?

The modulation transfer function (MTF) is a critical measure of an imaging system's performance, specifically its ability to preserve the detail of the input image as it is transferred to the output. MTF values range from 0 to 1, where 1 represents perfect fidelity in capturing the contrast of low to high spatial frequencies.

An MTF score of 1.0 indicates that the imaging system is capable of reproducing the input signal without any loss of detail or contrast, showcasing the highest imaging capability. This means the system can perfectly transfer all visual information from the subject to the image without degradation, which is ideal for diagnostic quality in radiography.

In contrast, scores below 1.0 indicate varying degrees of loss in detail and contrast. For example, an MTF of 0.5 or lower means that the system only captures about half of the original signal's contrast at certain frequencies, leading to less detailed and less clear images. An MTF score of 0.2 signifies even poorer performance, where the system fails to accurately reproduce the details of the input image.

Therefore, the highest imaging capability is represented by an MTF of 1.0, showcasing the system's ability to produce the clearest and most accurate images