A direct restoration method for spectral and image analysis

Physical constraints to directly control the output restoration are introduced in each iteration of solving the spectral or image formation equation. For the purpose of increasing the restoration sensitivity and the capability of smoothing noises, the fitting technique is used to reform the resolved equation. Our reconstruction results for Monte Carlo samples and observation data from space high energy astronomy show that, in comparison with traditional restorations, the direct method has high sensitivity, high resolution ability and capability of effectively reducing the effect of statistical fluctuation in data and can be used in the case of poor statistics. This method is model independent and has the capability to simultaneously represent both the extended and discrete features in object.     

Point source detection performance of Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope imaging observation

The Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope(HXMT) will perform an all-sky survey in the hard X-ray band as well as deep imaging of a series of small sky regions.We expect various compact objects to be detected in these imaging observations. Point source detection performance of HXMT imaging observation depends not only on the instrument but also on the data analysis method that is applied since images are reconstructed from HXMT observed data with numerical methods. The denoising technique used plays an important part in the HXMT imaging data analysis pipeline along with demodulation and source detection. In this paper we have implemented several methods for denoising HXMT data and evaluated the point source detection performances in terms of sensitivities and location accuracies. The results show that direct demodulation with 1-fold cross-correlation should be the default reconstruction and regularization method, although both sensitivity and location accuracy could be further improved by selecting and tuning numerical methods in data analysis used for HXMT imaging observations.     

High-resolution CASSINI-VIMS mosaics of Titan and the icy Saturnian satellites

The Visual Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) onboard the CASSINI spacecraft obtained new spectral data of the icy satellites of Saturn after its arrival at Saturn in June 2004. VIMS operates in a spectral range from 0.35 to 5.2 μm, generating image cubes in which each pixel represents a spectrum consisting of 352 contiguous wavebands.As an imaging spectrometer VIMS combines the characteristics of both a spectrometer and an imaging instrument. This makes it possible to analyze the spectrum of each pixel separately and to map the spectral characteristics spatially, which is important to study the relationships between spectral information and geological and geomorphologic surface features.The spatial analysis of the spectral data requires the determination of the exact geographic position of each pixel on the specific surface and that all 352 spectral elements of each pixel show the same region of the target. We developed a method to reproject each pixel geometrically and to convert the spectral data into map projected image cubes. This method can also be applied to mosaic different VIMS observations. Based on these mosaics, maps of the spectral properties for each Saturnian satellite can be derived and attributed to geographic positions as well as to geological and geomorphologic surface features. These map-projected mosaics are the basis for all further investigations.     

A novel hybrid algorithm for lucky imaging

Lucky imaging is a high-resolution astronomical image recovery technique with two classic implementation algorithms, i.e. image selecting, shifting and adding in image space, and data selecting and image synthesizing in Fourier space. This paper proposes a novel lucky imaging algorithm where with space-domain and frequency-domain selection rates as a link, the two classic algorithms are combined successfully, making each algorithm a proper subset of the novel hybrid algorithm. Experimental results show that with the same experiment dataset and platform, the high-resolution image obtained by the proposed algorithm is superior to that obtained by the two classic algorithms. This paper also proposes a new lucky image selection and storage scheme, which can greatly save computer memory and enable lucky imaging algorithm to be implemented in a common desktop or laptop with small memory and to process astronomical images with more frames and larger size. In addition, through simulation analysis,this paper discusses the binary star detection limits of the novel lucky imaging algorithm and traditional ones under different atmospheric conditions.     

A blind deconvolution method for ground based telescopes and Fizeau interferometers

In the case of ground-based telescopes equipped with adaptive optics systems, the point spread function (PSF) is only poorly known or completely unknown. Moreover, an accurate modeling of the PSF is in general not available. Therefore in several imaging situations the so-called blind deconvolution methods, aiming at estimating both the scientific target and the PSF from the detected image, can be useful. A blind deconvolution problem is severely ill-posed and, in order to reduce the extremely large number of possible solutions, it is necessary to introduce sensible constraints on both the scientific target and the PSF.In a previous paper we proposed a sound mathematical approach based on a suitable inexact alternating minimization strategy for minimizing the generalized Kullback–Leibler divergence, assuring global convergence. In the framework of this method we showed that an important constraint on the PSF is the upper bound which can be derived from the knowledge of its Strehl ratio. The efficacy of the approach was demonstrated by means of numerical simulations.In this paper, besides improving the previous approach by the use of a further constraint on the unknown scientific target, we extend it to the case of multiple images of the same target obtained with different PSFs. The main application we have in mind is to Fizeau interferometry. As it is known this is a special feature of the Large Binocular Telescope (LBT). Of the two expected interferometers for LBT, one, LINC-NIRVANA, is forthcoming while the other, LBTI, is already operating and has provided the first Fizeau images, demonstrating the possibility of reaching the resolution of a 22.8 m telescope. Therefore the extension of our blind method to this imaging modality seems to be timely.The method is applied to realistic simulations of imaging both by single mirrors and Fizeau interferometers. Successes and failures of the method in the imaging of stellar fields are demonstrated in simple cases. These preliminary results look promising at least in specific situations. The IDL code of the proposed method is available on request and will be included in the forthcoming version of the Software Package AIRY (v.6.1).     

ASO-S/HXI太阳指向镜算法研究

硬X射线成像是研究太阳耀斑等爆发现象的重要手段.由于采用调制成像而非直接成像的原因, X射线图像在日面上的位置需要借助太阳指向镜提供的仪器指向的日面坐标来确定.因此,指向信息对于耀斑定位实现多波段研究,理解太阳耀斑的物理过程具有重要的科学意义.在此对两种太阳指向镜指向信息的获取算法进行了测试.结合太阳指向镜的设计方案,首先利用SDO (Solar Dynamics Observatory)/AIA (Atmospheric Imaging Assembly) 4500?的数据产生测试图像,其次对其进行二值化处理,分别提取日面轮廓和4个边角指定区域面积;最后分别利用最小二乘法和四象限法对太阳中心坐标进行反演.初步结果显示最小二乘法受随机噪声影响小,定位精度相对稳定约为0.25′′,并可提供四象限法解算的初值;后者的精度可以优于0.14′′,但受随机噪声影响较大.两种算法的精度都显著优于硬X射线成像仪(Hard X-ray Imager, HXI)太阳指向镜的设计要求,可为指向数据在将来科学分析中的实际应用提供参考.     

Estimation of Fried's Parameter from Long-Exposure Solar Images

We propose a criterion for extending the parameter search method (Krishnakumar and Venkatakrishnan, 1997) of estimating the point spread function to solar data. In the parameter search method, the number of pixels with negative intensity values in the restored object is used as an estimator for determining the unknown parameters of the point spread function. As a solar image has a high background, the restored object does not contain negative values, thereby making the method unsuitable for solar data. We propose to use the intrinsic contrast of solar features as a criterion for identifying the unknown parameter. We validate our method through simulations. This method can not be used for image restoration but can be used for monitoring daytime seeing.     

Imaging diffuse emission with COMPTEL

The imaging telescope COMPTEL aboard the NASA Compton Observatory satellite has been demonstrated to be capable of imaging diffuse emission along the Galactic plane. Here we describe details of the imaging data spaces and methods to model the background. Different methods of imaging analysis are compared. Verification of consistency among these methods is a key factor in overall assessment of diffuse emission results. Source simulations and statistical analysis through the bootstrap method are applied to verify the significances of image structures.     

Photometric redshifts with surface brightness priors

We use galaxy surface brightness as prior information to improve photometric redshift (photo- z ) estimation. We apply our template-based photo- z method to imaging data from the ground-based VVDS survey and the space-based GOODS field from HST , and use spectroscopic redshifts to test our photometric redshifts for different galaxy types and redshifts. We find that the surface brightness prior eliminates a large fraction of outliers by lifting the degeneracy between the Lyman and 4000-Å breaks. Bias and scatter are improved by about a factor of 2 with the prior in each redshift bin in the range  0.4 < z < 1.3  , for both the ground and space data. Ongoing and planned surveys from the ground and space will benefit, provided that care is taken in measurements of galaxy sizes and in the application of the prior. We discuss the image quality and signal-to-noise ratio requirements that enable the surface brightness prior to be successfully applied.     

Review of Image Quality Measures for Solar Imaging

Observations of the solar photosphere from the ground encounter significant problems caused by Earth’s turbulent atmosphere. Before image reconstruction techniques can be applied, the frames obtained in the most favorable atmospheric conditions (the so-called lucky frames) have to be carefully selected. However, estimating the quality of images containing complex photospheric structures is not a trivial task, and the standard routines applied in nighttime lucky imaging observations are not applicable. In this paper we evaluate 36 methods dedicated to the assessment of image quality, which were presented in the literature over the past 40 years. We compare their effectiveness on simulated solar observations of both active regions and granulation patches, using reference data obtained by the Solar Optical Telescope on the Hinode satellite. To create images that are affected by a known degree of atmospheric degradation, we employed the random wave vector method, which faithfully models all the seeing characteristics. The results provide useful information about the method performances, depending on the average seeing conditions expressed by the ratio of the telescope’s aperture to the Fried parameter, \(D/r_{0}\). The comparison identifies three methods for consideration by observers: Helmli and Scherer’s mean, the median filter gradient similarity, and the discrete cosine transform energy ratio. While the first method requires less computational effort and can be used effectively in virtually any atmospheric conditions, the second method shows its superiority at good seeing (\(D/r_{0}<4\)). The third method should mainly be considered for the post-processing of strongly blurred images.     

Tomography of stellar non‐radial pulsations

The stellar surface imaging technique is used for studying stellar non‐radial pulsations on the basis of inversions of time series of variable line profiles without making assumptions on the specific shape of the pulsations. The inversion results in an image of the stellar surface in which sectoral and tesseral modes can be distinguished in many cases and the pulsational degree and the azimuthal order can be determined. The capability of the technique is studied with simulated data. Then, the surface imaging technique is applied to high‐resolution spectra of the rapidly rotating Beta Cep‐type star ω¹ Sco, which shows strong line‐profile variations. Stellar surface imaging is concluded to be a useful technique for pulsation‐mode identification. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

基于Dask并行加速的射电干涉成像网格化方法实现

快速傅里叶变换(Fast Fourier Transform,FFT)比傅里叶变换有更好的算法性能,是射电干涉成像的基础算法,但因为天线阵列的不规则采样,需使用网格化算法将可见度数据重采样到规则的网格上才能应用。基于卷积的网格化计算具有密集型和迭代型的特点,特别是处理海量可见度数据的情况下,高性能的网格化计算对整个成像过程加速尤为重要。为了缓解数据处理的压力,在现有处理整块数据和支持多核计算的算法基础上,拓展应用Dask并行计算框架,不仅将数据分块并分配到多线程上,提高数值计算效率,而且动态的分布式任务调度策略优化了网格化的实时处理。实验结果表明,多核中央处理器利用率显著提高,即使增加数据量,也能进一步提高网格化算法的性能。分布式任务调度能够将单(多)测量集的网格化弹性缩放到单(多)机系统,充分发挥集群的规模化优势。     

Determination of bulk density for small meteorite fragments via visible light 3‐D laser imaging

Abstract– Bulk density is an important intrinsic property of meteorites, but the necessary bulk volume measurement is difficult to do in a truly nondestructive way. Archimedean methods involving the displacement of a 40–100 μm beads “fluid” are commonly applied, but can encounter systematic errors. Herein, we report a visible light laser imaging technique for the nondestructive measurement of meteorite surface features, allowing for the subsequent assembly of 3‐D volumetric models; the method is particularly applicable to small meteorite fragments and to fragile specimens. We have acquired laser image data for 24 fragments from 18 ordinary chondrites, carbonaceous chondrites, and achondrites, with masses ranging from 265.0 to 1.2 g. Laser imaging bulk density is consistent between sister fragments of meteorites down to sizes of about 0.5 cm³, an order of magnitude smaller than can be reliably measured with Archimedean beads techniques. Uncertainty is less than 2% for fragments >4 cm³, and typically between 2 and 4% for small fragments <4 cm³. For 10 fragments, 3‐D laser imaging volumes are on average 1.3% smaller than those obtained with Archimedean beads. In a wider comparison using 21 meteorite fragments, 3‐D laser imaging bulk densities are on average 2.14 ± 2.36% greater than the corresponding Archimedean method literature values for these meteorites. Difficulties in the procedure of 3‐D image alignment may lead to a slight overestimation of meteorite bulk density, and so laser imaging‐based bulk densities are maximum estimates that can be viewed as being complementary to the minimum bulk density estimates obtained using Archimedean beads methods.     

基于盲退卷积的AIA图像增强方法

太阳图像中存在各种不同尺度、亮度和结构的物理活动现象,由于太阳日冕高动态活动和传感器设备等因素的影响,太阳图像成像质量不佳。根据太阳动力学天文台(Solar Dynamic Observatory,SDO)的大气成像仪(Atmospheric Imaging Assenbly,AIA)拍摄不同波段数据结构的动态范围大、噪声大、结构相对模糊等特点,提出一种基于盲退卷积的图像增强方法。首先对图像进行去噪和降低动态范围的处理,基于图像功率谱的分布假设,从原图中估计点扩散函数(Point Spread Function,PSF)的功率谱;然后使用相位提取算法恢复点扩散函数的相位,再退卷积得出较高质量的目标图像;最后通过轮廓切片分析、功率谱分析以及点扩散函数分析对增强结果进行定量和定性评价。实验结果表明,相比现有的图像增强方法,该方法在有效增强太阳日冕图像细节结构的同时,能够复原原图中因模糊无法识别的结构。     

明安图射电频谱日像仪图像的强度定标方法

明安图射电频谱日像仪(Mingantu Spectral Radioheliograph, MUSER)能够在0.4--15GHz超宽频带内实现高时间、高空间、高频率分辨率的太阳射电成像. 而射电亮温度是描述太阳物理过程的一个重要的参数, 在研究不同射电辐射机制、太阳磁场以及太阳爆发过程中非热粒子加速等问题上有着非常重要的作用, 因此必须对MUSER观测的图像进行亮温度定标. 将介绍一种适用于射电日像仪图像强度定标的方法. 太阳射电图像中包含着太阳圆盘的结构信息, 利用射电日像仪短基线的可视度函数拟合第一类贝塞尔函数, 可以得到图像中宁静太阳圆盘的射电半径和强度, 再利用瑞利-金斯定律和每天的太阳射电流量可以计算得到每天图像的定标因子$G_c$, 从而实现对MUSER图像强度的定标. 将该方法应用到MUSER的实际观测数据中, 包括宁静太阳和有太阳射电爆发等不同的情况, $G_c$的误差基本不超过10%, 得到的宁静太阳亮温度与其他宁静太阳的结果具有较高的相关性, 表明了此方法的可行性和有效性.     

Example-based super-resolution for single-image analysis from the Chang'e-1 Mission

Due to the low spatial resolution of images taken from the Chang'e-1(CE-1) orbiter, the details of the lunar surface are blurred and lost. Considering the limited spatial resolution of image data obtained by a CCD camera on CE-1, an example-based super-resolution(SR) algorithm is employed to obtain highresolution(HR) images. SR reconstruction is important for the application of image data to increase the resolution of images. In this article, a novel example-based algorithm is proposed to implement SR reconstruction by single-image analysis, and the computational cost is reduced compared to other example-based SR methods. The results show that this method can enhance the resolution of images using SR and recover detailed information about the lunar surface. Thus it can be used for surveying HR terrain and geological features. Moreover, the algorithm is significant for the HR processing of remotely sensed images obtained by other imaging systems.     

Adaptive scale model reconstruction for radio synthesis imaging

A sky model from CLEAN deconvolution is a particularly effective high dynamic range reconstruction in radio astronomy,which can effectively model the sky and remove the sidelobes of the point spread function(PSF)caused by incomplete sampling in the spatial frequency domain.Compared to scale-free and multi-scale sky models,adaptive-scale sky modeling,which can model both compact and diffuse features,has been proven to have better sky modeling capabilities in narrowband simulated data,especially for large-scale features in high-sensitivity observations which are exactly one of the challenges of data processing for the Square Kilometre Array(SKA).However,adaptive scale CLEAN algorithms have not been verified by real observation data and allow negative components in the model.In this paper,we propose an adaptive scale model algorithm with non-negative constraint and wideband imaging capacities,and it is applied to simulated SKA data and real observation data from the Karl G.Jansky Very Large Array(JVLA),an SKA precursor.Experiments show that the new algorithm can reconstruct more physical models with rich details.This work is a step forward for future SKA image reconstruction and developing SKA imaging pipelines.     

基于CCD提高射电望远镜极轴校准精度及修正

射电望远镜极轴的安装定位是否准确直接影响其指向精度和成像质量,通过运用光学CCD原理精确测量射电望远镜极轴偏差角度,用以安装校准极轴,达到提高射电望远镜指向精度和成像质量的效果,并且结合计算机可实现多极轴同时校准,提高工作效率。同时,基于CCD技术可以及时发现天线极轴出现的偏差并进行修正,提高了数据的质量。     

Imaging techniques applied to the coded mask SIGMA telescope

After more than four and a half years of successful operation aboard the Russian GRANAT space observatory, the French soft gamma-ray telescope SIGMA can be considered a milestone in the application of the coded mask aperture technique to high energy astronomy. The unprecedented imaging performance attained by SIGMA, coupled to the long observation time have yielded impressive results. Here I briefly describe the SIGMA imaging system and review the standard image reconstruction techniques and analysis procedures applied to the SIGMA data.     

云南天文台新型斑点象探测系统

斑点成象技术能有效地消除地球大气湍流的不良影响,实现地基大型天文望远镜的衍射受限分辨率成象,其所需的原始数据是天文目标及参考星的一系列的短曝光斑点象,它们取自望远镜的终端设备：斑点象探测系统。文中对比该技术对原始数据的要求：介绍了云南天文台研制的新型斑点象探测系统的结构和性能。实际观测结果表明,该系统基本能满足要求。