A channel-by-channel method of reducing the errors associated with peak area integration

A new method of reducing the errors associated with peak area integration has been developed. This method utilizes the signal content of each channel as an estimate of the overall peak area. These individual estimates can then be weighted according to the precision with which each estimate is known, producing an overall area estimate. Experimental measurements were performed on a small peak sitting on a large background, and the results compared to those obtained from a commercial software program. Results showed a marked decrease in the spread of results around the “true” value (obtained by counting for a long period of time), and a reduction in the statistical uncertainty associated with the peak area.