| line spread function | A measure of the ability of a system to form sharp images; in radiology, determined by measuring the spatial density distribution on film of the X-ray image of a narrow slit in a dense metal, such as uranium; from this can be calculated the modulation transfer function. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| line test | A test for rickets, based on observation of the lines of calcification in the growing ends of rachitic long bones in rats given vitamin D preparations under standard test conditions; used in biological assay of vitamin D by the USP. (05 Mar 2000) |
| line-tying | <radiobiology> Connection of field lines from the end of an open-ended device (such as a mirror system) to a conducting plate. The rigidity of field lines trapped in the plate can be transferred to the high-field region of the mirror by using a cold, moderately-dense plasma in between. Line-tying helps to stabilise against interchange instabilities. (09 Oct 1997) |