Pixel SNR, pixel density, detection, estimation, and the advantages of red noise

Motivation: Pixel SNR is a common metric for sequence design and scan implementation, however it is not ideal for detectability and estimation. Goal(s): To take and modify an existing noise measure from the literature and test it against pixel SNR for both white and red (high spatial frequency) noise. Approach: Ten individuals performed a detection task on 100 synthetic low SNR images with white or red noise. Results: The new metric was more predictive of detection than pixel SNR or circle radius. Images with red noise had worse pixel SNR but better detection rates. Impact: A proposed SNR metric is more relevant than pixel SNR for both detection and estimation, and consistent with our findings of better detectability in red noise over white noise. This is important for the design of clinical pulse sequences.