Random matrix approach in search for weak signals hidden in noisy data

¹ Institute of Theoretical Physics, University of Wrocław - pl. M. Borna 9, PL-50-204 Wrocław, Poland, EU
² Department of Physics and Biophysics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences ul. Norwida 25/27, PL-50-375 Wrocław, Poland, EU

^a dgrech@ift.uni.wroc.pl
^b jamis@ift.uni.wroc.pl

Received: 7 October 2011
Accepted: 22 December 2011

Abstract

We present new, original and alternative method for searching signals coded in noisy data. The method is based on the properties of random matrix eigenvalue density. First, we describe general ideas and support them with results of numerical simulations for basic periodic signals hidden in artificial stochastic noise. Then, the main effort is put to examine the strength of a new method in investigation of data content taken from the real astrophysical NAUTILUS detector designed to search for gravitational waves. Our method discovers some previously unknown problems with data aggregation in this experiment. We provide also the results of new method applied to the entire respond signal from ground-based bar detectors in future experimental activities with reduced background noise level. A good performance of our method is indicated what makes it a positive predictor for further applications in many areas.