Match Factor

The match factor is an indicator of the similarity between two curves. It varies from 0 (=no match) to 1000 (=perfect match).

The match factor is calculated as soon as two spectra are compared with each other in a spectra search (Library Search command or on the Spectra Library Screening tab page of the QNT Editor (see Data Representation and Reprocessing  The QNT Editor).) This command is possible in windows or panes capable of displaying a spectrum. (For more information, refer to Data Representation and Reprocessing Spectra Libraries and  PPA: Peak Purity Analysis.) The displayed spectrum is used as the basis. It is calculated by averaging all spectra recorded for one peak.

The result of the spectra search is the Hit List. It lists all spectra that have a certain similarity with the original spectrum. The match value in the Match column indicates how much they correspond.

 Note:

In the method PPA, the match can be indicated as a curve. Please note that instead of determining the similarity of two independent spectra, the spectra of the same peak (at different wavelengths) are compared with each other here (see Peak Purity Match Factor)!