Detection of nuclear resonance signals: Modification of the receiver operating characteristics using feedback

The performance of a nuclear resonance detection system can be quantified u sing binary detection theory. Within this framework, signal averaging incre ases the probability of a correct detection and decreases the probability o f a false alarm by reducing the variance of the noise in the average signal . In conjunction with signal averaging, we propose another method based on feedback control concepts that further improves detection performance. By m aximizing the nuclear resonance signal amplitude, feedback raises the proba bility of correct detection. Furthermore, information generated by the feed back algorithm can be used to reduce the probability of false alarm. We dis cuss the advantages afforded by feedback that cannot be obtained using sign al averaging. As an example, me show how this method is applicable to the d etection of explosives using nuclear quadrupole resonance. (C) 2000 Academi c Press.