# Image quality and detection toolkit for space optics

Canonical: https://www.formlightoptics.com/portfolio/space-sensor-image-quality-toolkit
Markdown: https://www.formlightoptics.com/portfolio/space-sensor-image-quality-toolkit.md

Built an OpticStudio extension that scores a lens design for space imaging and point-source detection in one report.

Space technology company. 2026.

Capabilities: Imaging, Simulation, Automation.

### Challenge

The client needed a repeatable way to judge candidate lens designs for space imaging and dim-object detection. Standard lens metrics do not say whether the sensor will detect a faint target against its own noise. Results had to be traceable and checked against independent references.

### Approach

We wrote a custom extension for OpticStudio that computes MTF and PSF, then applies a full radiometric noise budget, detection probability and false-alarm rate, limiting magnitude, and standard space-imaging metrics. A second phase added point source transmittance for off-axis glare. Every formula runs through an automated self-test with independent library cross-checks.

### Result

Each lens gets one report with a clear detect, marginal, or miss verdict and every assumption labeled. The client used it to improve validation of lens designs against its existing tooling.

### Key figures

- 30+: automated validation gates
- 10: reference optical systems in the validation set

Tools: Zemax OpticStudio, custom programs and scripts.

Related services: [Imaging lens design](https://www.formlightoptics.com/services/imaging-lens-design), [Zemax OpticStudio consulting](https://www.formlightoptics.com/services/zemax-opticstudio-consulting), [Stray light and non-sequential simulation](https://www.formlightoptics.com/services/stray-light-and-non-sequential-simulation).