Abstract
This paper exploits the Asymmetric Gaussian curve and its tangent space
for the first time. We develop a new method of discriminating
overlapping absorption bands. We then use the Asymmetrical Gaussian
curve to derive a Master Equation to fit two overlapping bands. We then
demonstrate the use of the Asymmetric Gaussian curve to fit four
overlapping Gaussian bands, and show how this is relevant to the olivine
family spectral complex at 1 μm. We report which olivine endmember is
easiest to fit using an asymmetric curve. The limitations of the
asymmetric band fitting method and a critical assessment of three
commonly used numerical minimization methods are also provided.