A view of Estimation of Distribution Algorithms through the lens of Expectation-Maximization

We show that a large class of Estimation of Distribution Algorithms, including, but not limited to, Covariance Matrix Adaption, can be written as a Monte Carlo Expectation-Maximization algorithm, and as exact EM in the limit of infinite samples. Because EM sits on a rigorous statistical foundation and has been thoroughly analyzed, this connection provides a new coherent framework with which to reason about EDAs

Comparison of Computational Methods Developed to Address Depth-variant Imaging in Fluorescence Microscopy

In three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy, the image formation process is inherently depth variant (DV) due to the refractive index mismatch between imaging layers, which causes depth-induced spherical aberration (SA). In this study, we present a quantitative comparison among different image restoration techniques developed based on a DV imaging model for microscopy in order to assess their ability to correct SA and their impact on restoration. The imaging models approximate DV imaging by either stratifying the object space or image space. For the reconstruction purpose, we used regularized DV algorithms with object stratification method such as the Expectation Maximization (EM), Conjugate Gradient; Principal Component Analysis based expectation maximization (PCA-EM), and Inverse filtering (IF). Reconstructions from simulated data and measured data show that better restoration results are achieved with the DV PCA-EM method than the other DV algorithms in terms of execution time and restoration quality of the image

Continuous-variable optical quantum state tomography

This review covers latest developments in continuous-variable quantum-state tomography of optical fields and photons, placing a special accent on its practical aspects and applications in quantum information technology. Optical homodyne tomography is reviewed as a method of reconstructing the state of light in a given optical mode. A range of relevant practical topics are discussed, such as state-reconstruction algorithms (with emphasis on the maximum-likelihood technique), the technology of time-domain homodyne detection, mode matching issues, and engineering of complex quantum states of light. The paper also surveys quantum-state tomography for the transverse spatial state (spatial mode) of the field in the special case of fields containing precisely one photon.Comment: Finally, a revision! Comments to lvov(at)ucalgary.ca and raymer(at)uoregon.edu are welcom