Treating an imaging system as a linear system and use llinear system properties to d iscuss both coherent and incoherent imaging. Use a one dimensional pin hole camera to study the theory of incoherent imaging. Two different criteria, Rayleigh and Sparrow, are used to define the resolution limits of the camera. From the simple theory define the optical transfer function and the modulation transfer function as appropriate characterizations of complex imaging systems. A review of the human imaging system emphasizes tits idfferences with man made cameras. Coherent imaging is based on Abbe’s theory of microscopy. A simple 4f imaging system can be used to understand how spatial resolution is limited by the optical aperture and by controlling the aperture, we can enhance the edges of an image or remove noise intensity noise on a plane wave. Apodizing the aperture allows astronomers to locate planents orbiting distant stars.
