Date of Award
Fall 1998
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Chemistry
Abstract
Nonexponential decay occurs widely in chemistry, physics, and technology. The most common example of nonexponential decay is multi-exponential decay, which comprises two or more parallel and independent decay processes. Most numerical methods now in use extract multiple lifetimes require iterations of a least square fitting procedure. fortunately, these methods usually exhibit instability, and their use is subject to the introduction of user bias. A related problem has to do with the determination of the instrumental resolution function. In this thesis, we attempt to use a direct analytical approach to implement Schrader's Laplace inversion algorithm, which deals with data extraction and deconvolution by inverting the Laplace transform in terms of its convoluted eigenfunctions. We fail to get reasonable results because singularities are inherent in some integrations. A new method has been developed to solve this problem, involving only simple matrix manipulations. The numerical experiments show that this method is easy and quick. Satisfactory performance has been achieved for a simple model system, but attempts extend this initial success to more complex model have been disappointing.
Recommended Citation
Sun, Jianguo, "Lifetime Extraction from Nonexponential Decay Signals" (1998). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 2720.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/2720