This software extends the well-known error-reduction Gerchberg-Saxton method to imaging of dark objects, assuming that such an object partially shadows a well-characterized thermal light source, while the shadow cannot be used for inferring the object’s shape. These assumptions are reasonable for a wide class of astronomic objects of interest, such as exoplanets, asteroids, neutron stars, dust clouds, black holes, dark matter, etc.
The software restores an image from intensity interferometry data. It also includes a part that can numerically simulate such data from a given object, which can be used for testing and diagnostics purposes.
Imaging dark objects by intensity interferometry is a novel capability that has recently been developed at JPL. Solving this problem is a unique capability of the novel software. To achieve this, it implements the error-reducing Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm, which has been extensively modified in order to apply to a dark (light-absorbing) object. This is contrasted with the traditional application of the intensity interferometry imaging algorithms capable of only imaging bright (light-emitting) objects. The adaptive transfer function has been a significant improvement as well as a unique feature applicable only to dark objects imaging.
The software restores an image from intensity interferometry data. It also includes a part that can numerically simulate such data from a given object, which can be used for testing and diagnostics purposes.
This work was done by Dmitry V. Strekalov of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Dan Broderick at
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Intensity Interferometry Image Recovery
(reference NPO49465) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document is a Technical Support Package from NASA, specifically focused on Intensity Interferometry Image Recovery (NPO-49465). It serves as a comprehensive overview of research aimed at enhancing astronomical observations through advanced imaging techniques. The primary goal of this research is to improve the understanding of the universe, including the study of black holes, dark energy, dark matter, and the search for Earth-like planets.
The document outlines the motivation behind the research, emphasizing the need for high-resolution instrumentation in astronomy, as highlighted in the 2010 Decadal Survey for Astronomy and Astrophysics. The proposed approach aims to develop a novel observation technique that could significantly enhance optical resolution, potentially surpassing existing space telescopes and amplitude space interferometers. This research is unique as it focuses on non-radiating objects, which are particularly challenging to observe due to their limited light scattering capabilities.
Key challenges addressed in the research include the observation of dark objects, such as black holes and hypothesized dark matter, which primarily affect light through gravitational lensing. The document discusses the technological advantages of intensity interferometers, which can achieve resolutions that first-order interferometry and conventional telescopes cannot match. This capability is crucial for studying objects that are difficult to detect due to their faintness.
The document is structured into several sections, detailing the origins and motivations of the research, the proposed methodologies, and the context within modern astronomy. It also outlines the goals and accomplishments of both Phase I and Phase II of the project, including theoretical models, experimental demonstrations, and advancements in signal-to-noise ratios.
In addition to the scientific merits, the research aims to contribute to broader technological and commercial applications, as indicated by NASA's Technology Transfer Program. The document concludes with a call for further collaboration and dissemination of findings to enhance the understanding of the universe and its fundamental principles.
Overall, this Technical Support Package encapsulates a significant effort by NASA and JPL to push the boundaries of astronomical imaging and deepen our comprehension of complex cosmic phenomena.
