Low autocorrelation for sequences is usually described in terms of low base energy, i.e., the sum of the sidelobe energies, or the maximum modulus of its autocorrelations, a Barker sequence occurring when this value is /spl les/ 1. We describe first an algorithm applying stochastic methods and calculus to the problem of finding polyphase sequences that are good local minima for the base energy. Starting from these, a second algorithm uses calculus to locate sequences that are local minima for the maximum modulus on autocorrelations. In our tabulation of smallest base energies found at various lengths, statistical evidence suggests we have good candidates for global minima or ground states up to length 45. We extend the list of known polyphase Barker sequences to length 63.

The maximum known asymptotic merit factor for binary sequences has been stuck at a value of 6 since the 1980s. Several authors have suggested that this value cannot be improved. In this paper, we construct an infinite family of binary sequences whose asymptotic merit factor we conjecture to be greater than 6.34. We present what we believe to be compelling evidence in support of this conjecture. The numerical experimentation that led to this construction is a significant part of the story.