The power spectral density of frequency fluctuations of an oscillator is generally modeled as a sum of power laws with integer exponents (from -2 to +2). However, a power law with a fractional exponent may exist. We propose a method for measuring the level of such a noise process and determining the probability density of the exponent. This yields a criterion for compatibility with an integer exponent. This method is based on a Bayesian approach called the reference analysis of Bernardo-Berger. The application to a sequence of frequency measurement from a quartz oscillator illustrates this paper.
展开▼
