Microsc. Microanal. Microstruct. 8, 11-19 (1997)
DOI: 10.1051/mmm:1997102

The Fourier Transform Used as a Tool to Evaluate Systems for Digitizing Electron Images

Patrick Bron, Jean Paul Rolland et Daniel Thomas

Biologie Cellulaire et Reproduction, URA CNRS No 256, Université de Rennes 1, Campus de Beaulieu, 35042 Rennes Cedex, France

Abstract
Image processing methods are commonly used for the structure determination of biological molecules using electron microscopy. However, the first and crucial step is to convert the electron image intensities into numerical values to be further processed with the computer. We propose a simple method based on the Fourier transform to evaluate characteristics of different digital acquisition systems frequently found in laboratories, from the video camera linked to the electron microscope to desktop publishing scanners. Such systems have been chosen in order to represent a wide range of devices and prices.

PACS
0780 - Electron and ion microscopes and techniques.
4230V - Image processing and restoration.
0230 - Function theory, analysis.
0650D - Data gathering, processing, and recording, data displays including digital techniques.

Key words
electron microscopy -- Fourier transforms -- image processing -- Fourier transform -- digitizing electron images -- image processing methods -- structure determination -- biological molecules -- electron microscopy -- electron image intensities -- numerical values -- digital acquisition systems -- desktop publishing scanners -- electron microscope


© EDP Sciences 1997