Maximum likelihood estimation of the angle of arrival of plane waves propagating in a random media

The problem of angle of arrival estimation of plane waves is well studied. While beamforming is the classical technique, the most recent methods use parametric models of the signals, and maximum likelihood estimation (MLE). We investigate the advantages of using the correct second moment for waves propagating in a random media (WPRM) to model the fluctuations of the arriving signals. In this way, the physics of WPRM is incorporated in our parametric model of the observations. This model is then used as the basis for the MLE. Simulation results show a dramatic improvement in the precision of the estimated angle of arrival.