CoaddNet: Enhancing signal-to-noise ratio in single-shot images using convolutional neural networks with coadded image effect

Noise in astronomical images significantly impacts observations and analyses. Traditional denoising methods, such as increasing exposure time and image stacking, are limited when dealing with single-shot images or studying rapidly changing astronomical objects. To address this, we developed a novel deep-learning denoising model, CoaddNet, designed to improve the image quality of single-shot images and enhance the detection of faint sources. To train and validate the model, we constructed a dataset containing high and low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) images, comprising coadded and single-shot types. CoaddNet combines the efficiency of convolutional operations with the advantages of the Transformer architecture, enhancing spatial feature extraction through a multi-branch structure and reparameterization techniques. Performance evaluation shows that CoaddNet surpasses the baseline model, NAFNet, by increasing the Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) by 0.03 dB and the Structural Similarity Index (SSIM) by 0.005 while also improving throughput by 35.18%. The model significantly improves the SNR of single-shot images, with an average increase of 22.8, surpassing the noise reduction achieved by stacking 70-90 images. By boosting the SNR, CoaddNet significantly enhances the detection of faint sources, enabling SExtractor to detect an additional 22.88% of faint sources. Meanwhile, CoaddNet reduced the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of flux measurements for detected sources by at least 27.74%. • Introduced a simplified CNN denoising network based on Transformer design principles. • Achieved a better balance between model size and performance. • Outperformed the high signal-to-noise ratio obtained from stacking 70–90 astronomical images. • Enhanced the detection capability for faint sources. • Reduced statistical bias in the flux information of astronomical sources.