Loop Gain

The loop gain is usually assigned a value between 0.1 and 0.5. The CLEAN Algorithm performs better for extended structures if $\mu$ is set to the lower part of this range. However, the time required for the CLEAN Algorithm increases rapidly for small $\mu$. From Thompson et al. (1986), the number of cycles needed for one point source is

$$\hbox{[cycles]} = - {\ln({\rm SNR})\over\ln(1-\gamma)}.$$

See also CLEAN Algorithm

References

Thompson, A. R.; Moran, J. M.; and Swenson, G. W. Jr. Interferometry and Synthesis in Radio Astronomy. New York: Wiley, p. 348, 1986.