Analysis of lucky imaging aided aperture synthesis

Jennifer E Ward¹, William T Rhodes² and John T Sheridan¹

Abstract

Many potential benefits arise when lucky imaging is combined with aperture synthesis techniques. Assuming Kolmogorov type turbulence, we develop the relationship between the number of images captured, sub-aperture widths and separations, and the criterion used to determine the performance of the system. Simple equations are presented that provide the user with a means of determining the lucky probability as a function of these parameters. A comparison of the probabilities is made for sub-apertures that are circular in shape. The practical implementation of the scheme is then discussed, and numerical simulations are presented in which typical results produced using the proposed implementation are presented. Finally, a synthesized image is presented in which twelve lucky images are combined using the image stacking software program “RegiStax”. © Anita Publications. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Lucky imaging; aperture synthesis; imaging through atmospheric turbulence.

Peer Review Information
Method: Single- anonymous; Screened for Plagiarism? Yes
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