Adaptive detection with diagonal loading [for adaptive antenna array]

An adaptive detector with diagonal loading is presented, and although it is not CFAR (constant false alarm rate), it is conjectured that its probability of false alarm can at least be upper bounded by choosing the appropriate threshold for the adaptive matched filter detector. Monte Carlo simulations show that diagonal loading, in conjunction with spatial tapering of the array, can lower sidelobe detection, but at the expense of detector sensitivity. It is therefore desirable to choose the least amount of diagonal loading required. For the examples given, a diagonal load equal to twice that of thermal noise is shown to be sufficient. Thus, some estimate or prior information about the background system thermal noise is required