Unique Maximum Likelihood Localization of Nuclear Sources

Abstract

In an earlier paper, [1], we have considered the Maximum Likelihood (ML) localization of a stationary nuclear source using the time of arrival of particles modeled as a Poisson process at a sensing vehicle moving with a constant velocity. In this paper we consider whether the ML location estimate characterized in [1] is unique. Using Morse theory we show that not only is the likelihood function unimodal on either side of the line the sensor moves on (note the source can only be localized uniquely if one knows on which side it resides), but that in fact it has only one critical point in each side and this critical point is the global maximum. These results strongly indicate that gradient ascent maximization will always work. We verify these results with real field data. Show more