Wiener-optimum linear detectors for non-Gaussian channels

Optimal detectors for non-Gaussian channels are nonlinear, and are therefore sensitive to problem parameters. We describe a technique for designing linear detectors for arbitrary additive noise channels that takes into account dependence structure, amplitude distribution, and transmitted signals. This technique is based on Wiener´s theory of nonlinear systems, and amounts to cross-correlating the optimal detector´s output with its input when it is driven by white Gaussian noise. We have not proven this linear detector´s optimality; simulations demonstrate that it has some of the properties required of optimal detectors in several cases