Multitaper scan-free spectrum estimation using a rotational shear interferometer.

Multitaper methods for a scan-free spectrum estimation that uses a rotational shear interferometer are investigated. Before source spectra can be estimated the sources must be detected. A source detection algorithm based upon the multitaper F-test is proposed. The algorithm is simulated, with additive, white Gaussian detector noise. A source with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 0.71 is detected 2.9 degrees from a source with a SNR of 70.1, with a significance level of 10(-4), approximately 4 orders of magnitude more significant than the source detection obtained with a standard detection algorithm. Interpolation and the use of prewhitening filters are investigated in the context of rotational shear interferometer (RSI) source spectra estimation. Finally, a multitaper spectrum estimator is proposed, simulated, and compared with untapered estimates. The multitaper estimate is found via simulation to distinguish a spectral feature with a SNR of 1.6 near a large spectral feature. The SNR of 1.6 spectral feature is not distinguished by the untapered spectrum estimate. The findings are consistent with the strong capability of the multitaper estimate to reduce out-of-band spectral leakage.