Optimal search [radar]

Optimal search (or intelligent search or smart search) distributes search effort (or search resources) in an optimal manner in both space and time to maximize detection performance. Optimal search theory provides answers to the two fundamental search questions: (1) where should the radar beam point during the next increment of search effort? (i.e., space allocation); (2) how much radar effort (energy and time) should be expended during the next increment of search effort? (i.e., energy and time allocation) The optimal search results obtained below for space allocation are very simple, general, and powerful. They can be applied to both electronically-scanned and mechanically-scanned antennas. With appropriate modification of the beam coverage model and the probability of detection model, the optimal search results obtained below can also be applied to any active or passive detection system including sonar, optical, infrared, acoustic, seismic, passive RF, and radio astronomy.