The Richardson-Lucy algorithm is applied to reconstruct the three-dimensional source function of identical pions from their two-particle correlation functions. The algorithm's performance is first evaluated through simulations with Gaussian-type initial source functions. Its imaging quality and robustness are further demonstrated with experimental ${\pi }^{-}\text{−}{\pi }^{-}$ correlation functions from $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ collisions at $1.23A$ GeV, collected by the HADES Collaboration. Additionally, using UrQMD simulations of $\mathrm{Pb}+\mathrm{Pb}$ collisions at $1.5A$ GeV, we show that the deblurred source functions from ${\pi }^{-}\text{−}{\pi }^{-}$ correlation exhibit sensitivity to the initial neutron skin thickness of the colliding nuclei. This highlights the potential applicability of the Richardson-Lucy algorithm as a tool for probing the neutron density distribution in heavy nuclei.

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• Neutron skin thickness
• Nucleon distribution
• Relativistic heavy-ion collisions
• Transport in heavy-ion collisions
• Correlation function measurements