DECONVOLUTION OF RUTHERFORD BACKSCATTERING SPECTRA - AN INVERSE PROBLEM

We review the problems associated with resolution correction and discu ss some of the most promising procedures to solve them. We select four methods to deconvolute heavy particle backscattering spectra: (i) par ametrization of the theoretical function, (ii) using histograms with v ariable bin width, (iii) modified Land-weber iterations, and (iv) usin g mollifiers. To judge the quality of the methods, we treat simulated backscattering spectra as obtained in Rutherford backscattering measur ements with solid-state detectors. Our results are as follows: When a priori information on the shape of the spectra is available, parametri zation of the problem is superior to all other methods. When informati on on high-frequency components of the spectrum (e.g., on sharp edges) is of primary interest, the use of histograms with variable-bin width might provide good results. In all other cases, the choice of the bes t procedure depends on the specific problem and our ability to optimiz e the adjustable parameter of the specific method.