Maximum-entropy image processing in gamma-ray astronomy

Abstract

In order to make the fullest use of the information contained in data from a spark-chamber telescope, an image processing approach is required. We show how the maximum-entropy reconstruction technique can be applied in a modification which is appropriate to a situation of low statistical weight per resolution solid angle, as usually occurs with present instruments observing the gamma-ray sky. The final decision relating to the choice of map can be made using the Kolmogoroff–Smirnoff non-parametric test. Properties of the algorithm are investigated using simulated data, and a degree of super-resolution is found possible even with quite poor statistics. Some examples of the application to data from the COS-B satellite are presented to show the power of the method.