Cosmic-ray rejection and readout efficiency for large-area arrays

We present an algorithm to optimally process uniformly sampled array image data obtained with a nondestructive readout. The algorithm discards full we lls, removes cosmic-ray (particle) hits and other glitches, and makes a nea rly optimum estimate of the signal on each pixel. The algorithm also compre sses the data. The computer requirements are modest, and the results are ro bust. The results are shown and compared to results of Fowler-sampled and - processed data. Nonideal detector performance may require some additional c ode, but this is not expected to cost much processing time. Known types of detector faults are addressed.