Amplitude-modulated and frequency-modulated reticle responses of Gaussian beams

Analytical expressions and numerical methods are obtained for calculating the wave form, contrast, and frequencies of the optical output signal in amplitude- and frequency-modulating straight-spoked reticles when the optical input signal is assumed to be a Gaussian distribution of intensity. A comparative study of reticles with different numbers of spokes shows a similar behavior. A criterion is described for the design of the most sensitive reticle under small changes in the input signal.