Imaging source with Gaussian proper time distribution

Making use of the maximum entropy method, we study the most probable source function in heavy ion collisions. An anisotropic Gaussian source is deduced by simply assuming that the particles are emitted within a finite proper-time. The general relations between the most probable source function and the minimal assumptions are discussed, which are instructive in constructing a self-consistent source function from observed Hanbury-Brown/Twiss (HBT) correlations. (authors)