On the Deconvolution of Measured Curves with Measured Apparatus Functions and the Information Content of Curves

Abstract

Abstract A general problem in natural science is the analysis of experimental curves, which are quite often distorted due to the measuring devices. However, in some cases the apparatus function can be measured separately so that one can hope to restore the original curve by means of a suited mathematical procedure. Based on experimental examples taken from atomic physics and without complicated mathematical formalism, we show possibilities and limitations of the deconvolution of measured curves with measured apparatus functions. The choice of the Fourier transformation algorithm makes it possible to compute the information content of curves quite easily. This may be used to optimize the performance of an experiment.