Automated Analysis of Gamma Ray Spectra

Abstract

<p> Contemporary approaches to data analysis suffer from being both time-consuming and subjective; however, the application of numerical techniques to the automated (non-interactive) analysis of gamma ray spectra often leads to considerably improved performance. The foundations and limitations of such techniques lie in the applicability of certain mathematical operations such as deconvolution, and the careful study of stochastic models. The use of digital filters as a method of enhancing detector response has been applied to a triple-coincidence counting arrangement, after modelling undesired physical effects. An objective background estimation method has been described based on the statistical nature of nuclear measurements. Finally, the application of such techniques is demonstrated with a package of FORTRAN programs designed to be used in a variety of situations with minimal modifications. </p>