Fast Computer Analysis of the γ Spectrum from Ge(Li) Detectors

Abstract

A method for rapidly analyzing the γ spectrum obtained with Ge(Li) detectors was developed for a medium-size electronic computer. The analysis is based on the first derivative method, associated with a number of peak-shape tests. The effects of data smoothing and of changes in peak width were studied to determine the optimum conditions for spectrum analysis. The resulting computer program was subjected to various quality tests on the predicted values of the peak position and area. The results of the tests showed that the code thus developed works quite satisfactorily. The code requires 10 sec and a memory core of 29 k when using a FACOM 230–60 for the analysis of a 2,047 channel spectrum.