Parallel factor analysis in sensor array processing

This paper links multiple invariance sensor array processing (MI-SAP) to parallel factor (PARAFAC) analysis, which is a tool rooted in psychometrics and chemometrics. PARAFAC is a common name for low-rank decomposition of three- and higher way arrays. This link facilitates the derivation of powerful identifiability results for MI-SAP, shows that the uniqueness of single- and multiple-invariance ESPRIT stems from uniqueness-of low-rank decomposition of three-way arrays, and allows tapping on the available expertise for fitting the PARAFAC model. The results are applicable to both data-domain and subspace MI-SAP formulations. The paper also includes a constructive uniqueness proof for a special PARAFAC model.