Global analysis of the phase calibration operation

A global approach to phase calibration is presented. The corresponding theoretical framework calls on elementary concepts of algebraic graph theory (spanning tree of maximal weight, cycles) and algebraic number theory (lattice, nearest lattice point). The traditional approach can thereby be better understood. In radio imaging and in optical interferometry, the self-calibration procedures must often be conducted with much care. The analysis presented should then help in finding a better compromise between the coverage of the calibration graph (which must be as complete as possible) and the quality of the solution (which must of course be reliable).