Scientific Photography and Applied Imaging

10 Image recording systems

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1 Recording medium

Using a lens or optical system, light or radiation from the subject forms a 2-D analogue optical image at the photoplane or photosensor surface of a data capture system (usually a camera), when, using a suitable recording medium or imaging system, a transient visible or more permanent image may then be formed. The optical image has attributes of resolution, contrast, sharpness, colour gamut and intensity range (Nitka, 1988; Slater, 1980; Townsend, 1992).

A variety of photosensors and photochemical systems are used as recording media, including silver halide (AgX) systems, non-silver systems, image tubes and solid state arrays (Figure 10.1). The relevant properties of these, ...