The maximum entropy method (Q1359939)

Introduced by \textit{E. T. Jaynes} [Phys. Review, II. Ser. 106, 620-630; 108, 171-190 (1957; Zbl 0084.43701)] for the field of statistical mechanics, the principle of maximum entropy, better known as the maximum entropy method (MEM), proved to be, in time, a powerful means for various (research) domains of science. Developing the basic ideas in his Ph.D. thesis and adding his learning, teaching and researching experience, the author selects in this monograph the following main topics to illustrate the principles and applications of MEM: spectral analysis, image restoration, some branches of mathematics, and statistical mechanics. The book is organized in five chapters, two appendices, a list of references and an index. After the introductory Chapter 1, Chapter 2 investigates the MEM1 application to spectral analysis, while Chapter 3 considers MEM2 and its application to image restoration. Chapter 4 is concerned, both experimentally and theoretically, with the analysis and comparison of three schools of thought on MEM in their basic ideas, properties and applications. Chapter 5 presents MEM and its applications to mathematics (solution of moment problems, integral equations, partial differential equations) and statistical mechanics. Appendices A and B provide the relevant knowledge of spectral analysis and image restoration, respectively.