Generalized Morse Wavelets as a Superfamily of Analytic Wavelets

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that generalized Morse wavelets form a comprehensive superfamily that includes many analytic wavelets, offering a unified framework for selecting wavelets suited to various applications.

Contribution

It introduces the generalized Morse wavelets as a unifying superfamily, including Airy wavelets, and analyzes their properties for systematic application.

Findings

Generalized Morse wavelets encompass many analytic wavelets.

Airy wavelets (γ=3) are highly symmetric and well-concentrated.

Airy wavelets are recommended as versatile, general-purpose wavelets.

Abstract

The generalized Morse wavelets are shown to constitute a superfamily that essentially encompasses all other commonly used analytic wavelets, subsuming eight apparently distinct types of analysis filters into a single common form. This superfamily of analytic wavelets provides a framework for systematically investigating wavelet suitability for various applications. In addition to a parameter controlling the time-domain duration or Fourier-domain bandwidth, the wavelet {\em shape} with fixed bandwidth may be modified by varying a second parameter, called $\gamma$. For integer values of $\gamma$, the most symmetric, most nearly Gaussian, and generally most time-frequency concentrated member of the superfamily is found to occur for $\gamma=3$. These wavelets, known as "Airy wavelets," capture the essential idea of popular Morlet wavelet, while avoiding its deficiencies. They may be recommended as an ideal starting point for general purpose use.