Michael Egan (NGA/IB)
Keywords: Algorithm,
Abstract:
Magain, Courbin and Sohy (MCS 1998, AJ, 494, 472) proposed a two-channel (separable point source and extended background) method for astronomical image deconvolution. Unlike the two-channel Richardson-Lucy algorithm, the MCS method does not require prior knowledge of the point source amplitudes and positions. MCS have claimed that their method produces accurate astrometry and photometry in crowded fields and in the presence of variable backgrounds. This paper compares MSX 8 micron Galactic plane images deconvolved via the MCS method with Spitzer Space Telescope IRAC 8 micron images of the same regions. The improved sampling and final image PSF for the deconvolved MSX image is chosen to match the Spitzer observation. In the parlance of MCS, this determines the light distribution for an 85 cm telescope (Spitzer) by deconvolving data taken with a 33 cm space telescope (MSX). Deconvolution of both the Spitzer and MSX data are also presented that reconstruct the image at resolution consistent with that expected from the 6.5 meter aperture James Webb Space Telescope. I will present results for varying degrees of background complexity and examine the limitations of the MCS method for use on infrared data in regions of high source density and bright, complex backgrounds.
Date of Conference: September 12-15, 2007
Track: Poster