Abstract: A method of processing data representing intensity values of a measurement signal as a function of a discrete variable such as time, which signal being characterized by series of peaks mixed with a substantially regular background noise, provides efficient noise attenuation and peak detection capabilities. When applied to a two-dimensional system, the method comprises an initial step of forming an intensity histogram vector representing a frequency distribution from the intensity values, which intensity histogram vector having N frequency vector components associated with corresponding N intensity sub-ranges within a maximum range extending from a minimum intensity value to a maximum intensity value. This initial step is followed by a step of zeroing a portion of the data corresponding to the intensity values which are below an intensity threshold value derived from shape characteristics of the distribution.