The experimental optimization of the detection of non-Gaussian effects in resistance fluctuations was studied. Sensitivity-optimization criteria for the second spectrum, an important fourth-order statistical spectrum, were calculated and confirmed by experiment. Also, two additional fourth-order statistical spectra were introduced to separately and independently quantify the correlations in the amplitudes and in the phases of the Fourier coefficients of a noise signal. For a carbon resistor exhibiting non-Gaussian 1/f noise, the non-Gaussian effects were predominantly due to high-order phase correlations. © 1996 The American Physical Society.

• Received 13 November 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.53.9753