New orthonormal bases of improved time frequency atoms are constructed
. These atoms are similar to R. Baraniuk's ''chirplets.'' These new ba
ses are used to unfold frequency modulated signals in the time frequen
cy plane. The selection of the ''best basis'' amounts to finding an op
timal covering with Heisenberg boxes with arbitrary eccentricities and
orientations. This analysis is as sharp as the one provided by the Wi
gner transform. (C) 1997 Academic Press.