Influence of filter and signal types in optical matched filtering

The dependence of the output correlation signal on the filter parameters, filter types, and signal types in matched filtering is discussed. On the basis of the established filter criteria—the signal-to-noise ratio, peak-to-sidelobe ratio, and diffraction efficiency—a new measure is introduced giving an overall estimate of the feasibility of filters. According to that single measure, various filter types are compared and selected by numerical experiments.