An optimal extraction algorithm for CCD spectroscopy

1986/06/01 by K. Horne · 1,976 citations
Chemistry · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Algorithm #Artificial intelligence #CCD and CMOS Imaging Sensors #Chemistry #Chromatography #Computer science #Distortion (music) #Extraction (chemistry) #Image (mathematics) #Noise (video) #Optics #Physics #Spectroscopy and Laser Applications #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #Telecommunications

paper · pdf · doi:10.1086/131801

published in Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific 98, 609 (Institute of Physics)

openalex publication_date 1986/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05

Abstract

An optimal spectrum extraction procedure is described, and examples of its performance with CCD data are presented. The algorithm delivers the maximum possible signal-to-noise ratio while preserving spectrophotometric accuracy. The effects of moderate geometric distortion and of cosmic-ray hits on the spectrum are automatically accounted for. In tests with background-noise limited CCD spectra, optimal extraction offers a 70-percent gain in effective exposure time in comparison with conventional extraction procedures.

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