Some tests of the Vaníček Method of spectral analysis

One of the chief claims of the Vaníček Method of spectrum analysis is its, ability to remove ‘systematic noise’ from a time series with minimal distortion of the spectrum of the remaining series. In this paper, comparisons are made between the Vaníček Method and the more usual method consisting of preliminary removal of the systematic noise followed by fourier analysis. Formulas relating the two methods are developed and a series of comparative plots of simple spectra are presented. Results indicate that the Vaníček Method does not displace a spectral peak falling close to the systematic noise, that it distorts the amplitude of the peak less than the conventional method of analysis, and that it tends to intensify the side lobes.