Classical versus Bayesian interferometric imaging of exoplanets

Abstract

The interferometry is the most promising way to directly observe exoplanets, their spectra and surfaces at optical or infrared domain. The complex imaging process can be described as the extraction of information from the data gathered by the interferometer. This information can be treated to be independend on any à priori knowledge or the integration process. In this case it is analyzed in a classical way. In fact, the imaging of exoplanets is not the classical way of the data reconstruction. The best extraction of information requires all accessible à priori knowledge. This is the bayesian way. The knowledge gathered during an integration is also contributing as à priori information for futher image reconstruction. We disscuss both approaches supporting the analysis with the estimates of information flow through the interferometer and examples of simulations of imaging.