We discuss the optimal detection of point sources from multiwavelengthimaging data using an approach, referred to as MDET, which requires no priorknowledge of the source spectrum. MDET may be regarded as a somewhat moregeneral version of the so-called "chi squared" technique. We describe thetheoretical basis of the technique, and show examples of its performance withfour-channel infrared broad-band imaging data from the WISE mission. We alsodiscuss the potential benefits of applying it to the multifrequency data cubesof the ASKAP surveys, and suggest that it could increase the detectionsensitivity of searches for neutral hydrogen emission at moderately highredshifts.
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