Correlation-based method for improvement of NQR signals utilizing signal shape information

In the correlation method the signal shape information can be utilized for detection of weak signals, hidden in the noise. We tested the advantages, drawbacks and some practical features of the method applied to magnetic resonance detection. The influence of the signal width, shape and similarity to the template on the correlation function was studied by numerical simulation. The findings were applied to the optimization of the template for improved localization of a noisy¹⁴N nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) line in NaNO₂ during repetitive scans by a superregenerative spectrometer. The value of the correlation method in faster NQR intensity evaluation was also confirmed.