The modulation transfer function (MTF) is one of the main criteria for judging the image quality of an imaging system. Together with the well-known optical transfer function, the MTF can be regarded as an objective basis reflecting the comprehensive performance of an imaging interferometer. In order to improve the imaging quality of a modified spatially modulated imaging interferometer (MSMII) with large optical path difference, the boundary conditions of an incident ray, at full field of view, along thexandydirections, respectively, are first calculated by the method of prism expansion, and then the exact expression of the pupil function of the MSMII is given. The two-dimensional MTF of the MSMII is obtained by the Fourier transform. Compared with previous studies, this work gives the two-dimensional MTF for the MSMII, and analyzes the effects of various parameters on the MTF. The optimal values of the incident angleitogether with the acute angelsandare chosen asand, respectively. If so, a high MTF is obtained, i.e. the imaging quality of the MSMII can satisfy the need of detecting upper atmospheric wind fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]