Application of Richardson-Lucy deconvolution to images obtained from GEM scintillation readout by a commercial Hamamatsu S13361-3050 SiPM unit

The Richardson-Lucy deconvolution algorithm was applied to enhance image quality in gas scintillation-based imaging systems using a GEM amplification microstructure coupled with a Hamamatsu S13361-3050 SiPM array photosensor. This study addressed the challenges posed by image degradation due to electron diffusion and light spread, which result in blurring and reduced position resolution. Systematic evaluations of grid refinement, Gaussian filtering, and Richardson-Lucy deconvolution demonstrated significant improvements in position resolution, reducing the mean position resolution from 5.07 ± 0.07 mm to 2.54 ± 0.04 mm. The results highlight the effectiveness of Richardson-Lucy deconvolution in mitigating image blurring and enhancing resolution, leading to improved scintillation-based imaging systems across various applications. • Application of the Richardson-Lucy (RL) deconvolution algorithm in scintillation-based imaging systems. • Significant improvement in spatial resolution from 5.07 ± 0.13 mm to 2.58 ± 0.24mm. • Integration of flat-field correction, grid refinement, and RL deconvolution for enhanced image clarity. • Effective mitigation of image blurring caused by electron diffusion and light spread. • Relevance of findings to fields such as medical diagnostics, homeland curity, and high-energy physics.