Model independent shape analysis of correlations in 1, 2 or 3 dimensions

A generic, model-independent method for the analysis of the two-particle short-range correlations is presented, that can be utilized to describe e.g. Bose-Einstein (HBT or GGLP), statistical, dynamical or other short-range correlation functions. The method is based on a data-motivated choice for the zero-th order approximation for the shape of the correlation function, and on a systematic determination of the correction terms with the help of complete orthonormal set of functions. The Edgeworth expansion is obtained for approximately Gaussian, the Laguerre expansion for approximately exponential correlation functions. Multi-dimensional expansions are also introduced and discussed.Comment: Latex, 15 pages, uses epsfig.sty elsart.sty, misprints correcte