Open AccessSimultaneous estimation of noise and signal in cosmic microwave background experiments
Author(s) -
Ferreira P. G.,
Jaffe A. H.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
monthly notices of the royal astronomical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.058
H-Index - 383
eISSN - 1365-2966
pISSN - 0035-8711
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-8711.2000.03108.x
Subject(s) - physics , cosmic microwave background , sky , formalism (music) , noise (video) , bayesian probability , covariance matrix , noise power , spectral density , cosmic background radiation , cosmic cancer database , algorithm , statistical physics , astrophysics , statistics , optics , computer science , power (physics) , artificial intelligence , mathematics , art , musical , image (mathematics) , anisotropy , quantum mechanics , visual arts
To correctly analyse data sets from current microwave detection technology, one is forced to estimate the sky signal and experimental noise simultaneously. Given a time‐ordered data set we propose a formalism and method for estimating the signal and associated errors without prior knowledge of the noise power spectrum. We derive the method using a Bayesian formalism and relate it to the standard methods; in particular we show how this leads to a change in the estimate of the noise covariance matrix of the sky signal. We study the convergence and accuracy of the method on two mock observational strategies and discuss its application to a currently‐favoured calibration procedure.