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The Exponent Function

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The Exponent function raises each pixel value in Buffer A to an exponent value which is stored in Buffer B. Exponents greater than 1 tend to stretch out the higher end of the pixel values in your image, while exponents less than 1 tend to stretch out the lower end of the pixel values in your image.

You should use the Stretch function to spread your pixel values out over the full dynamic range of the buffers before using the Exponent function.

If you are trying to pull up faint nebulosity or galaxy fringes from the background, try exponents less than 1 (after stretching).

Omega Centauri
Stretched Exp(.33) Applied
Image of Omega Centauri - Stretched only Image of Omega Centauri - Exp(0.33)

M51
Stretched Exp(.2) applied
M51 'Natural' M51 Exp(.2)