Image reconstruction techniques applied to nuclear mass models

Abstract

A new procedure is presented that combines well-known nuclear models with image reconstruction techniques. A color-coded image is built by taking the differences between measured masses and the predictions given by the different theoretical models. This image is viewed as part of a larger array in the ($N,Z$) plane, where unknown nuclear masses are hidden, covered by a ``mask.'' We apply a suitably adapted deconvolution algorithm, used in astronomical observations, to ``open the window'' and see the rest of the pattern. We show that it is possible to improve significantly mass predictions in regions not too far from measured nuclear masses.