Distortions

Distortion refers to any alteration of an original form, shape, sound, or data away from its intended or true representation. The term is used across disciplines to denote systematic deviations rather than random noise, and can affect physical objects, signals, perceptions, or measurements.

In engineering and physics, distortion describes deviations that occur as signals or images pass through devices or processes. Types include harmonic distortion, arising from nonlinear amplification that introduces extra harmonics; intermodulation distortion, from mixing of frequencies; and amplitude distortion, where signal levels are not preserved. Optical distortion results from lenses and imaging systems and can include geometric distortion, which warps spatial relationships, and chromatic aberration, which colors edges. Lens distortion is commonly described as barrel or pincushion distortion.

In imaging, distortion can refer to geometric warping of a scene or to color and tonal deviations caused by sensor characteristics, lighting, or color management. In photography and videography, correcting lens distortion and applying calibration matrices are common remedies.

In audio, distortion generally means unwanted alteration of a waveform by nonlinearities in amplifiers or signal-processing chain, producing harmonic or intermodulation artifacts. Some controlled distortion effects are used intentionally in music production.

In statistics and measurement, distortions are systematic biases that skew results, such as sampling bias, miscalibration, or data processing errors. In psychology and media studies, distortions can describe cognitive biases and the misrepresentation of information.

Mitigation strategies include calibration, linearization, deconvolution, lens correction, proper sampling, and robust statistical methods to reduce or compensate for distortions.