Anti-Aliasing Techniques for Signal Verification and Sensor Integrity

In this paper, the development of algorithms for autonomously adjusting sensors with anti-aliasing techniques is discussed. In the current world environment of rapidly changing and progressing technologies, adaptability is the lynchpin for success. Tunable sources, such as Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs), are becoming more common to address the adaptability need on the proactive side. It follows that sensors themselves must then be able to expand and adapt to aid in this endeavor. The research outlined in this paper further explores the relationship between the frame rate of a sensor and the modulation frequency of an incoming signal. Signals modulated at frequencies matching or near the frame rate of a sensor cause aliasing effects more consistently and frequently than those further from the sensor's frame rate. These situations affect the sensor's accuracy in these regions, creating a "blind spot" for the sensor where fluctuations in the signal are indistinguishable from frame to frame. The relationship between the frame rate of a sensor and the modulation frequency of a signal, quantified by a change in irradiance from frame to frame, was previously explored. From these primary findings, an algorithm was developed utilizing a method analogous to that of on-off keying, to improve frame rate adaptability. This algorithm was tested and expanded to include more complex scenarios. The potential for this method, including further testing, project scope and direction, as well as future complexities involving the inclusion of a feedback loop to the laser modulation controller are presented. The paper concludes with discussions on applications of these results to improve current and future sensor technology development, testing, and characterization.