Fully automatic quantitative analysis of alpha-radiation spectral data using a minicomputer
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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
Abstract:
Fully automatic computer programs for the analysis of alpha-spectroscopy data have been developed and installed on a PDP-11/45 minicomputer at the Eastern Environmental Radiation Facility (EERF) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Montgomery, AL. The programs presently in use evaluate the activities of the U, Pu and Am nuclides of interest to EERF. A mathematical enhancement of the spectra processed makes reliable determination of nuclide gross counts possible without the human interaction previously necessary at the laboratory. A number of safeguards that attempt to detect conditions (anomalous chemistry, etc.) which may cause invalid analyses are provided in the programs.
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