A Unified Theory of Photometric Redshifts

Nov, 2008
8 pages
Published in:
  • Astrophys.J. 695 (2009) 747-754
e-Print:

Citations per year

2008201120142017202001234
Abstract: (arXiv)
We present a rigorous mathematical solution to the generalized photometric inversion problem. The challenge we address is to meaningfully constrain unknown properties of astronomical sources based on given observables, usually multicolor photometry, with the help of a training set that provides an empirical relation between the measurements and the desired quantities. Photometric redshift estimation is an example of such methods. We establish a formalism that blurs the boundary between the traditional empirical and template fitting algorithms, as both are just special cases that are discussed in detail to put them in context. The new approach enables the development of more sophisticated methods that go beyond the classic techniques to combine their advantages. The basic concepts are illustrated in a simple case that is analogous to the classic empirical methods. We look at the directions for further improvement as well as the technical aspects of practical implementations, and study the qualities of the calibrators with the design of future training sets in mind that will greatly enhance the reliability of the photometric properties in the new era of upcoming survey telescopes.