Resolution Of Complex Band Contours By Means Of Fourier Self-Deconvolution

The general principles of Fourier self-deconvolution are presented. Self-deconvolution reduces the intrinsic widths of lines by a factor K which is limited by the noise in the spectrum. A formula for computing changes in the signal-to-noise ratio, S/N, of the spectrum as a function of K resulting from Fourier self-deconvolution is derived. Examples of the application of the method to synthetic and experimental infrared spectra are presented and it is shown that lines having moderate S/N ratios (1000-10000) can readily be reduced in width by a factor of four.