Resolution Limits of Analyzers and Oscillatory Systems

This paper considers the resolution limits of those analyzers and oscillatory systems whose performance may be represented by a second-order differential equation. The “signal uncertainty” product Δf·Δt is shown to be controlled by the ability of a system to indicate changes in energy content. The discussion refers the functioning of the system to a signal space whose coordinates are energy, frequency, and time. In this signal space, the product of the resolution limits, U = (ΔE/E0) (Δf/f0) (Δt/T0) is the volume of a region within which no change of state in the system may be observed. Whereas the area element Δf·Δt is freely deformable, no operations upon either Δf or Δt can further the reduction of the energy resolution limit. Thus U is irreducibly fixed by the limiting value of ΔE/E0. By considering the effects of noise upon ΔE/E0, and thus upon U, the paper demonstrates the rise of statistical features as signal-to-noise ratios decrease. Functional relationships derived from ΔE/E0 and U are tabulated. These equations facilitate computation of the limits of observable changes of state in a system, and they provide guidance for the design of experiments to apportion the uncertainties of measurement of transient phenomena as advantageously as possible. A reference bibliography and appendices giving somewhat detailed proofs are included.