Maximum entropy image restoration in astronomy

Abstract

The theoretical basis and applications of the Maximum Entropy Method of inference for obtaining the most probable nonnegative image consistent with astronomical data are detailed. The generalized image restoration problem is reviewed, noting the effects of atmospheric blurring and the practice of representing images as a Fourier series. The problem is encountered in both single aperture and synthesis observations, and also exists for faint sources viewed from space-based platforms. A review of theoretical expressions for entropy, modified to fit communication theory, demonstrates that using prior knowledge of the object being imaged can greatly assist the clarification of observed images. Algorithms are defined for obtaining the enhanced images by statistical methods.