Source separation by quadratic contrast functions: a blind approach based on any higher-order statistics

The paper deals with blind source separation by contrast function maximization. A general class of separation criteria valid for both i.i.d. and non i.i.d. sources is exhibited; it is based on third or higher order cross-cumulants between the separator outputs and fixed signals, called references. We show that this approach is applicable not only in a semi-blind context, but also in a completely blind scenario. The most interesting feature concerning our criteria is their quadratic form. It follows a highly simplified optimization procedure which we describe. Simulation results illustrate the validity of our approach, and the appeal of this new class of contrast functions.