Expressions are derived for the normalized root-mean-square error of an image relative to a reference image. Different versions of the error metric are invariant to different combinations of effects, including the image’s (a) being multiplied by a real or complex-valued constant, (b) having a constant added to its phase, (c) being translated, or (d) being complex conjugated and rotated 180°. Invariance to these effects is particularly important for the phase-retrieval problem. One can also estimate the parameters of those effects. Similarly, two wave fronts can be compared, allowing for arbitrary constant (piston) and linear (tilt) phase terms. One can also include a weighting function. The relation between the error metric and other quality measures is derived.

© 1997 Optical Society of America

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