Resolution of Signal Sources Via Eigenvalue Analysis of the Sample Correlation Matrix

We analyze statistical properties of resolving two signal sources with plane wavefronts via eigenvalue analysis of the sample correlation matrix of the intrinsic noise of the receiving system for a low signal-to-noise ratio. The analysis was carried out both for the signals of the same power and in the presence of a single high-power interference source. The resolution properties of two sources with different signal arrival angles are also considered. The distribution of the maximum noise eigenvalue in the presence of a weak signal source is studied numerically.