Image reconstruction in optical interferometry

Abstract

Since the first multitelescope optical interferometer [1], considerable technological improvements have been achieved. Optical (visible/infrared) interferometers are now widely open to the astronomical community and provide the means to obtain unique information from observed objects at very high angular resolution (submilliarcsecond). There are numerous astrophysical applications, such as stellar surfaces, environment of premain sequence or evolved stars, and central regions of active galaxies. See [2]-[4] for comprehensive reviews about optical interferometry and recent astrophysical results. As interferometers do not directly provide images, reconstruction methods are needed to fully exploit these instruments. This article aims at reviewing image reconstruction algorithms in astronomical interferometry using a general framework to formally describe and compare the different methods. The challenging issues in image reconstruction from interferometric data are introduced in the general framework of inverse problem approach. This framework is then used to describe existing image reconstruction algorithms in radio interferometry and the new methods specifically developed for optical interferometry.