Optimising optimal image subtraction

Difference imaging is a technique for obtaining precise relative photometry of variable sources in crowded stellar fields and, as such, constitutes a crucial part of the data reduction pipeline in surveys for microlensing events or transiting extrasolar planets. The Optimal Image Subtraction (OIS) algorithm of Alard & Lupton (1998) permits the accurate differencing of images by determining convolution kernels which, when applied to reference images with particularly good seeing and signal‐to‐noise (S/N), provide excellent matches to the point‐spread functions (PSF) in other images of the time series to be analysed. The convolution kernels are built as linear combinations of a set of basis functions, conventionally bivariate Gaussians modulated by polynomials. The kernel parameters, mainly the widths and maximal degrees of the basis function model, must be supplied by the user. Ideally, the parameters should be matched to the PSF, pixel‐sampling, and S/N of the data set or individual images to be analysed. We have studied the dependence of the reduction outcome as a function of the kernel parameters using our new implementation of OIS within the IDL‐based TRIPP package. From the analysis of noise‐free PSF simulations of both single objects and crowded fields, as well as the test images in the ISIS OIS software package, we derive qualitative and quantitative relations between the kernel parameters and the success of the subtraction as a function of the PSF widths and sampling in reference and data images and compare the results to those of other implementations found in the literature. On the basis of these simulations, we provide recommended parameters for data sets with different S/N and sampling. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Automatic morphological classification of galaxy images

We describe an image analysis supervised learning algorithm that can automatically classify galaxy images. The algorithm is first trained using manually classified images of elliptical, spiral and edge-on galaxies. A large set of image features is extracted from each image, and the most informative features are selected using Fisher scores. Test images can then be classified using a simple Weighted Nearest Neighbour rule such that the Fisher scores are used as the feature weights. Experimental results show that galaxy images from Galaxy Zoo can be classified automatically to spiral, elliptical and edge-on galaxies with an accuracy of ∼90 per cent compared to classifications carried out by the author. Full compilable source code of the algorithm is available for free download, and its general-purpose nature makes it suitable for other uses that involve automatic image analysis of celestial objects.     

An adaptive loop gain selection for CLEAN deconvolution algorithm

Radio interferometry significantly improves the resolution of observed images, and the final result also relies heavily on data recovery. The Cotton-Schwab CLEAN(CS-Clean) deconvolution approach is a widely used reconstruction algorithm in the field of radio synthesis imaging. However, parameter tuning for this algorithm has always been a difficult task. Here, its performance is improved by considering some internal characteristics of the data. From a mathematical point of view, a peak signal-to-noise-based(PSNRbased) method was introduced to optimize the step length of the steepest descent method in the recovery process. We also found that the loop gain curve in the new algorithm is a good indicator of parameter tuning.Tests show that the new algorithm can effectively solve the problem of oscillation for a large fixed loop gain and provides a more robust recovery.     

Semi-automated extraction of digital objective prism spectra

We describe a method for the extraction of spectra from high-dispersion objective prism plates. Our method is a catalogue-driven plate solution approach, making use of the right ascension and declination coordinates for the target objects. In contrast to existing methods of photographic plate reduction, we digitize the entire plate and extract spectra off-line. This approach has the advantages that it can be applied to CCD objective prism images and spectra can be re-extracted (or additional spectra extracted) without having to re-scan the plate. After a brief initial interactive period, the subsequent reduction procedure is completely automatic, resulting in fully reduced, wavelength-justified spectra. We also discuss a method of removing stellar continua using a combination of non-linear filtering algorithms.   The method described is used to extract over 12 000 spectra from a set of 92 objective prism plates. These spectra are used in an associated project to develop automated spectral classifiers based on neural networks.     

The Cotton-Schwab Clean At Ultra-High Dynamic Range

We present a study of the dynamic range limitations in images produced with the proposed Square Kilometre Array (SKA) using the Cotton-Schwab CLEAN algorithm for data processing. The study is limited to the case of a small field of view and a snap-shot observation. A new modification of the Cotton-Schwab algorithm involving optimization of the position of clean components is suggested. This algorithm can reach a dynamic range as high as 10⁶ even if the point source lies between image grid points, in contrast to about 10³ for existing CLEAN-based algorithms in the same circumstances. It is shown that the positional accuracy of clean components, floating point precision and the w-term are extremely important at high dynamic range. The influence of these factors can be reduced if the variance of the gradient of the point spread function is minimized during the array design.     

On the baseline flux determination of microlensing events detectable with the difference image analysis method

To improve photometric precision by removing the blending effect, a newly developed technique of difference image analysis (DIA) has been adopted by several gravitational microlensing experiment groups. However, the principal problem of the DIA method is that, by its nature, it has difficulties in measuring the baseline flux F ₀ of a source star, causing a degeneracy problem in determining the lensing parameters of an event. Therefore, it is often believed that the DIA method is not as powerful as the classical method based on PSF photometry for determining the Einstein time-scales t _E of events.
In this paper, we demonstrate that the degeneracy problem in microlensing events, detectable from searches using the DIA method, is not as serious as is often thought. This is because a substantial fraction of events will be high amplification events for which the deviations of the amplification curves, constructed with the wrong baseline fluxes from their corresponding best-fit standard amplification curves, will be considerable, even for a small amount of the fractional baseline flux deviation Δ F ₀ F ₀. With a model luminosity function of source stars and under realistic observational conditions, we find that ∼30 per cent of detectable Galactic bulge events are expected to have high amplifications and their baseline fluxes can be determined with uncertainties Δ F ₀ F ₀≤0.5.     

Cosmic‐ray rejection for single spectroscopic CCD images by means of template matching

This article describes a novel algorithm for cosmic‐ray rejection in single spectroscopic CCD images. This algorithm is based on a variation of template matching. It focuses on identifying those pixels belong to spectra, while other conventional algorithms tried to locate the cosmic‐ray hits directly. The main principle is applying template matching to find suspicious blocks, which is followed by surface patching to locate the legitimate pixels accurately. Therefore, the rest pixels are the ones corrupted by cosmic‐ray hits. Meanwhile, almost all the parameters are automatically extracted from the images. Examples of its performance are given for both simulated and observed images. It shows an advantage of significantly low false alarm rate with relatively high detection rate (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Real-time difference imaging analysis of MOA Galactic bulge observations during 2000

We describe observations carried out by the MOA group of the Galactic bulge during 2000 that were designed to detect efficiently gravitational microlensing of faint stars in which the magnification is high and/or of short duration. These events are particularly useful for studies of extrasolar planets and faint stars. Approximately 17 deg² were monitored at a sampling rate of up to six times per night. The images were analysed in real time using a difference imaging technique. 20 microlensing candidates were detected, of which eight were alerted to the microlensing community whilst in progress. Approximately half of the candidates had high magnifications (≳10), at least one had very high magnification (≳50), and one exhibited a clear parallax effect. The details of these events are reported here, together with details of the on-line difference imaging technique. Some nova-like events were also observed and these are described, together with one asteroid.     

NICMOS images of JVAS/CLASS gravitational lens systems

We present Hubble Space Telescope ( HST ) infrared images of four gravitational lens systems from the JVAS/CLASS gravitational lens survey and compare the new infrared HST pictures with previously published WFPC2 HST optical images and radio maps. Apart from the wealth of information that we get from the flux ratios and accurate positions and separations of the components of the lens systems, which we can use as inputs for better constraints on the lens models, we are able to discriminate between reddening and optical/radio microlensing as the possible cause of differences observed in the flux ratios of the components across the three wavelength bands. Substantial reddening has been known to be present in the lens system B1600+434 and has been further confirmed by the present infrared data. In the two systems B0712+472 and B1030+074 microlensing has been pinpointed as the main cause of the flux ratio discrepancy both in the optical/infrared and in the radio, the radio possibly caused by the substructure revealed in the lensing galaxies. In B0218+357, however, the results are still not conclusive. If we are actually seeing the two 'true' components of the lens system then the flux ratio differences are attributed to a combination of microlensing and reddening or are alternatively the result of some variability in at least one of the images. Otherwise the second 'true' component of B0218+357 may be completely absorbed by a molecular cloud and the anomalous flux density ratios and large difference in separation between the optical/infrared and radio that we see can be explained by emission either from a foreground object or from part of the lensing galaxy.     

Adaptive binning of X-ray galaxy cluster images

We present a simple method for adaptively binning the pixels in an image. The algorithm groups pixels into bins of size such that the fractional error on the photon count in a bin is less than or equal to a threshold value, and the size of the bin is as small as possible. The process is particularly useful for generating surface brightness and colour maps, with clearly defined error maps, from images with a large dynamic range of counts, for example X-ray images of galaxy clusters. We demonstrate the method in application to data from Chandra ACIS-S and ACIS-I observations of the Perseus cluster of galaxies. We use the algorithm to create intensity maps, and colour images that show the relative X-ray intensities in different bands. The colour maps can later be converted, through spectral models, into maps of physical parameters, such as temperature, column density, etc. The adaptive binning algorithm is applicable to a wide range of data, from observations or numerical simulations, and is not limited to two-dimensional data.     

A new algorithm for differential photometry: computing anoptimum artificial comparison star

Our new algorithm for differential photometry solves the problem of identifying proper comparison stars without a prior detailed study of the field of view. The comparison stars' variability is determined in a self‐consistent way, and their weighted average is used as a reference level. The maximum error in differential photometry using objects and reference stars of different spectral types is estimated. The results from these calculations show that the photometric band chosen greatly determines the level of accuracy achieved. Finally, an important application of high‐precision differential photometry are planetary transits. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

A fuzzy logic‐based algorithm for cosmic‐ray hit rejection from single images

An algorithm for cosmic‐ray rejection from single images is presented. The algorithm is based on modeling human perception using fuzzy logic. The proposed algorithm is specifically designed to reject multiple‐pixel cosmic ray hits that are larger than some of the point spread functions of the true astronomical sources. Experiments show that the algorithm can accurately reject ∼97.5% of the cosmic rays hits, while mistakenly rejecting 0.02% of the true astronomical sources. The major advantage of the presented algorithm is its computational efficiency. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Microlensing variability in FBQ 0951+2635: short-time-scale events or a long-time-scale fluctuation?

We present and analyse new R -band frames of the gravitationally lensed double quasar FBQ 0951+2635. These images were obtained with the 1.5-m AZT-22 Telescope at Maidanak (Uzbekistan) during the 2001–2006 period. Previous results in the R band (1999–2001 period) and the new data allow us to discuss the dominant kind of microlensing variability in FBQ 0951+2635. The time evolution of the flux ratio A / B does not favour the continuous production of short-time-scale (∼months) flares in the faintest quasar component B (crossing the central region of the lensing galaxy). Instead of a rapid variability scenario, the observations are consistent with the existence of a long-time-scale fluctuation. The flux ratio shows a bump during the 2003–2004 period and a quasi-flat trend in more recent epochs. Apart from the global behaviour of A / B , we study the intra-year variability over the first semester of 2004, which is reasonably well sampled. Short-time-scale microlensing is not detected in that period. Additional data in the i band (from new i -band images taken in 2007 with the 2-m Liverpool Robotic Telescope at La Palma, Canary Islands) also indicate the absence of short-time-scale events in 2007.     

一种新的基于2维傅里叶谱图像的恒星光谱特征提取方法和深度网络分类应用

天体光谱分类是天文学研究的重要内容之一,其关键是从光谱数据中选择和提取对分类识别最有效的特征构建特征空间.提出一种新的基于2维傅里叶谱图像的特征提取方法,并应用于LAMOST (the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope)恒星光谱数据的分类研究中.光谱数据来源于LAMOST Data Release 5(DR5),选取30000条F、 G和K型星光谱数据,利用短时傅里叶变换(Short-Time Fourier Transform, STFT)将1维光谱数据变换成2维傅里叶谱图像,对得到的2维傅里叶谱图像采用深度卷积网络模型进行分类,得到的分类准确率是92.90%.实验结果表明通过对LAMOST恒星光谱数据进行STFT可得到光谱的2维傅里叶谱图像,谱图像构成了新的光谱数据特征和特征空间,新的特征对于光谱数据分类是有效的.此方法是对光谱分类的一种全新尝试,对海量天体光谱的分类和挖掘处理有一定的开创意义.     

asmooth: a simple and efficient algorithm for adaptive kernel smoothing of two-dimensional imaging data

An efficient algorithm for adaptive kernel smoothing (AKS) of two-dimensional imaging data has been developed and implemented using the Interactive Data Language ( idl ). The functional form of the kernel can be varied (top-hat, Gaussian, etc.) to allow different weighting of the event counts registered within the smoothing region. For each individual pixel, the algorithm increases the smoothing scale until the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) within the kernel reaches a pre-set value. Thus, noise is suppressed very efficiently, while at the same time real structure, that is, signal that is locally significant at the selected S/N level, is preserved on all scales. In particular, extended features in noise-dominated regions are visually enhanced. The asmooth algorithm differs from other AKS routines in that it allows a quantitative assessment of the goodness of the local signal estimation by producing adaptively smoothed images in which all pixel values share the same S/N above the background .
We apply asmooth to both real observational data (an X-ray image of clusters of galaxies obtained with the Chandra X-ray Observatory) and to a simulated data set. We find the asmooth ed images to be fair representations of the input data in the sense that the residuals are consistent with pure noise, that is, they possess Poissonian variance and a near-Gaussian distribution around a mean of zero, and are spatially uncorrelated.     

From planes to spheres: about gravitational lens magnifications

We discuss the classic theorem according to which a gravitational lens always produces at least one image with a magnification greater than unity. This theorem seems to contradict the conservation of total flux from a lensed source. The standard solution to this paradox is based on the exact definition of the reference 'unlensed' situation, in which the lens mass can be either removed or smoothly redistributed.
We calculate magnifications and amplifications (in photon number and energy flux density) for general lensing scenarios not limited to regions close to the optical axis. In this way the formalism is naturally extended from tangential planes for the source and lensed images to complete spheres. We derive the lensing potential theory on the sphere and find that the Poisson equation is modified by an additional source term that is related to the mean density and to the Newtonian potential at the positions of observer and source. This new term generally reduces the magnification, to below unity far from the optical axis, and ensures conservation of the total photon number received on a sphere around the source.
This discussion does not affect the validity of the focusing theorem , in which the unlensed situation is defined to have an unchanged affine distance between source and observer. The focusing theorem does not contradict flux conservation, because the mean total magnification (or amplification) directly corresponds to different areas of the source (or observer) sphere in the lensed and unlensed situation. We argue that a constant affine distance does not define an astronomically meaningful reference.
By exchanging source and observer, we confirm that magnification and amplification differ according to Etherington's reciprocity law, so that surface brightness is no longer strictly conserved. At this level we also have to distinguish between different surface brightness definitions that are based on photon number, photon flux and energy flux.     

Flux Calibration of the BATC Survey and Its Application for Checking the Consistency of the Oke—Gunn Standards

1 INTRODUCTIONThe B eij lug- Ahs ona~ TaiP ei- C onnect lout Color S urvey of t he S by (Hereaft er B AT C ) ut driesthe 15 intermediate band filters to make CCD forage photometric ohs~ion. The BATCphotometric system ties its maghtude zero P~Oint to the spectro-photometric AB maghtudesystem. The AB system is a monochro~ic fi system fort introduced by Oke in 1969 with aprovisional calibration designated AB69.The AB system selects F subdwarfs around visual magnitude 9 as standa…     

Smear fitting: a new image-deconvolution method for interferometric data

A new technique is presented for producing images from interferometric data. The method, 'smear fitting', makes the constraints necessary for interferometric imaging double as a model, with uncertainties, of the sky brightness distribution. It does this by modelling the sky with a set of functions and then convolving each component with its own elliptical Gaussian to account for the uncertainty in its shape and location that arises from noise. This yields much sharper resolution than clean for significantly detected features, without sacrificing any sensitivity. Using appropriate functional forms for the components provides both a scientifically interesting model and imaging constraints that tend to be better than those used by traditional deconvolution methods. This allows it to avoid the most serious problems that limit the imaging quality of those methods. Comparisons of smear fitting to clean and maximum entropy are given, using both real and simulated observations. It is also shown that the famous Rayleigh criterion (resolution = wavelength/baseline) is inappropriate for interferometers as it does not consider the reliability of the measurements.     

Near-focus high-sensitivity wavefront sensing

A new method of wavefront sensing that uses a pair of equally defocused images to derive the wavefront aberrations is presented. Unlike in conventional curvature-sensing systems, the sensor works in a near-focus regime where the transport of intensity equation is not valid, and, unlike in phase-diversity methods, a non-iterative algorithm is used to infer the wavefront aberrations. The sensor designs outlined only require a small number of detector pixels: two designs with five and nine pixels per plane are analysed, and the nine-element sensor (NES) is shown to have a competitive measurement sensitivity compared with existing low-order astronomical wavefront sensors. The NES is thus well suited to applications such as adaptive optics for the individual telescopes in an optical interferometer array.     

Automated detection and tracking of solar magnetic bright points

Magnetic bright points (MBPs) in the internetwork are among the smallest objects in the solar photosphere and appear bright against the ambient environment. An algorithm is presented that can be used for the automated detection of the MBPs in the spatial and temporal domains. The algorithm works by mapping the lanes through intensity thresholding. A compass search, combined with a study of the intensity gradient across the detected objects, allows the disentanglement of MBPs from bright pixels within the granules. Object growing is implemented to account for any pixels that might have been removed when mapping the lanes. The images are stabilized by locating long-lived objects that may have been missed due to variable light levels and seeing quality. Tests of the algorithm, employing data taken with the Swedish Solar Telescope, reveal that ≈90 per cent of MBPs within a  75 × 75  arcsec² field of view are detected.