Threshold detection in correlated non-Gaussian noise fields

Classical threshold detection theory for arbitrary noise and signals, based on independent noise samples, i.e., using only the first-order probability density of the noise, is generalized here to include the critical additional statistical information contained in the (first-order) covariance of the noise. This is accomplished by replacing the actual, generalized noise by a “quasi-equivalent” (QE) model employing both the first-order noise PDF and covariance. The result is a “near-optimum” approach, which is the best available to date incorporating these fundamental, and obtainable, statistical data. Space-time noise and signal fields are specifically considered throughout