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U.S. Department of Energy
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VAXGAP: A code for the routine analysis of gamma-ray pulse-height spectra on a VAX computer

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7172432

This report describes the analysis algorithms and techniques used in the VAX Gamma-Ray Analysis Program (VAXGAP) at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL). VAXGAP is a collection of computer programs for the analysis of gamma-ray pulse-height spectra. It operates on a Digital Equipment Corporation VAX computer, using the VMS operating system. Linear and nonlinear peak fitting techniques are used to calculate photopeak areas, which in turn are used to determine the concentration of gamma-ray emitting radionuclides in many different types of samples--from /open quotes/hot/close quotes/ samples, collected from the primary coolant water of operating reactors, to very low-level environmental samples. VAXGAP is user friendly and provides laboratory technicians and spectroscopists with analysis results in a rapid and accurate manner with a minimal investment in computer hardware. On a VAX-750 computer, VAXGAP takes less than a minute to perform a typical spectrum analysis. VAXGAP programs are menu-driven and the user interface to the analysis functions is simple. Use of VAXGAP does not require a detailed knowledge of the computer operating system or gamma-ray spectroscopy. 3 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.

Research Organization:
EG and G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC07-76ID01570
OSTI ID:
7172432
Report Number(s):
EGG-2533; ON: DE88011702
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English