Space time factorability of active sonar array processors

An active sonar array processor is concerned with the detection of a signal echo reflected from a target in the presence of reverberation. The present paper derives conditions on signal, reverberation and array parameters under which the optimum (likelihood ratio) detector can be factored into spatial and temporal operations. Also, a brief attempt is made at signal design under the criterion of factorability. We also study the relation of factorability to the maximum likelihood estimates of target range and bearing.