Decomposition of data into a sum of nonlinear functions Application to astronomical observations

Abstract

In astronomical observations we often encounter spectra which are a result of superposition of individual contributions from phenomena of similar kind. We describe here a method together with its algorithm by which one can decompose a given set of data into a number of nonlinear functions and apply the method to a couple of astronomical data-sets. We discuss the modifications to be made in the algorithm, appropriate to the particular problem, in order to arrive at a solution. This method can be used in high-resolution spactroscopic and photometric data on astronomical objects to extract valauble information which otherwise is not apparent