Spectral analysis was carried out by Fourier and Gabor transformation of a
nonstationary process. It is shown that spectral analysis by Gabor transfor
mation correctly reflects the analyzed signal of varying spectral compositi
on. Fourier transformation is an averaged spectral characteristic. Spectral
analysis of anodic current oscillations of copper dissolution in sulfate s
olution was performed. It was found that current oscillations are a composi
tion of three simple oscillators. The intensity of frequency bands decrease
s with time. Instantaneous frequencies of each band also decrease in the fu
nction of time. Spectral analysis by the Fourier method does not correctly
reflect the real changes of analyzed oscillations. Gabor transformation acc
urately reflects oscillation changes in time. This type of spectral analysi
s is a useful tool in the analysis of electrochemical oscillations. (C) 200
1 The Electrochemical Society.