An Attempt to Incorporate the Gaussian Line Shape in the Study of Spectroscopic Limiting Line Intensity

We approach the problem of detection limits in particle or photon counting spectroscopies by looking at both the intensity and the shape of the spectral line instead of looking only at the background under the line. We develop a method by which, for a given experimental situation in which the background height and FWHM are known, and at a given statistical precision, we obtain a uniquely defined limiting line intensity.