Abstract

Modern image detectors have attained the ultimate in sensitivity, enabling single-photon events to be seen. An array of such detectors may be used to form a "photon count" image, such as on the left in Fig. 1. If such a photo also suffers from blur, how well can it be restored to the ideal object on the right? We shall take a Bayesian¹ view and seek the maximum probable (m.a.p.) and mean probable (m.m.s.e.) estimates of the object. This approach marries the known physics of photon image formation to estimation theory, a match which the Rev. Thomas Bayes himself might have blessed. As will be seen, it allows ultimate questions to be asked on object structure, even in cases of severe photon depletion.

© 1986 Optical Society of America