Abstract
We consider optimal Bayesian detection of a slowly varying tone of unknown amplitude in situations characterized by very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and a large number of measurements, as found in certain gravitational wave and passive sonar problems. We use a hidden Markov model (HMM) framework but, unlike typical HMM-based frequency line tracking methods, we develop a true track-before-detect algorithm, which does not threshold the blocked Fourier data and only considers frequency trails that have phase continuity across all HMM steps. We model the frequency and phase evolution as a phase-wrapped Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process. The resulting optimal detector is computationally efficient. The detectability improvement arising from phase continuity is characterized via comparative simulation for a mock, simplified gravitational wave search problem.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
