Implementation of a likelihood ratio test for laser Doppler velocimeter burst detection

A likelihood ratio test for laser Doppler velocimeter burst detection is derived and implemented with the appropriate photon detection statistics. This detector utilizes the first point of the autocorrelation function of the laser Doppler velocimeter photodetector signal and relies on a simple identity for this point. The detector looks at the ratio of two probability functions of the data (burst and no burst) to make its decision. Because the detector does not depend on the absolute strength of the signal, detection down to very low (-10-dB) signal-to-noise levels can be achieved. Because the autocorrelation function is insensitive to the phase of the signal, the detector will operate reliably with signals containing multiple overlapping bursts.