UPdec-Webb: A Dataset for Coaddition of JWST NIRCam Images

TL;DR

This paper introduces UPdec-Webb, a new dataset created by applying an advanced image coaddition algorithm to JWST NIRCam images, significantly improving source detection, photometry, and deblending capabilities for astronomical research.

Contribution

The paper presents UPDC, a novel coaddition algorithm that enhances JWST NIRCam images with super-resolution and PSF correction, leading to improved detection and analysis of celestial sources.

Findings

Enhanced detection of faint sources compared to traditional methods

Successful deblending of closely packed sources with super-resolution

Discovery of a previously unresolved binary star system

Abstract

We present the application of the image coaddition algorithm, Up-sampling and PSF Deconvolution Coaddition (UPDC), for stacking multiple exposure images captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam). By addressing the point spread function (PSF) effect, UPDC provides visually enhanced and sharper images. Furthermore, the anti-aliasing and super-resolution capabilities of UPDC make it easier to deblend sources overlapped on images, yielding a higher accuracy of aperture photometry. We apply this algorithm to the SMACS J0723 imaging data. Comparative analysis with the Drizzle algorithm demonstrates significant improvements in detecting faint sources, achieving accurate photometry, and effectively deblending (super-resolution) closely packed sources. {As a result, we have newly detected a pair of close binary stars that were previously unresolvable in the original exposures or the Drizzled image.} These improvements significantly benefit various scientific projects conducted by JWST. The resulting dataset, named "UPdec-Webb", can be accessible through the official website of the Chinese Virtual Observatory (ChinaVO).