Y-Spect: A Multi-Method Gamma Spectrometry Analysis Program

Abstract

To accomplish a more accurate, precise and correct interpretation and analysis of spectrum data collecting from a gamma spectrometry counting system, a fully interactive computer code, named Y-Spect, has been developed by using the Delphi 7.0 programming language. The code combines several popular methods for peak search, i.e.: Mariscotti, Phillips-Marlow, Robertson et al ., Routti-Prussin, Black, Sterlinski, Savitzky-Golay and Block et al . Any combinations of those methods can be chosen during a peak searching process, which can be performed in automatic or manual mode. Moving Window Average- and Savitzky-Golay-methods are available for spectrum data smoothing. Peak fitting is done by using a non-linear least square method of Levenberg-Marquardt for either a pure Gaussian peak shape or one with an additional Right/Left Tail function. Other than standard features, such as: peak identification and determination of: continuum, region of interest (ROI), and peak area, etc., Y-Spect has also a special feature which can predict the existence of escape- and/or sum peaks that belong to a certain radioisotope. Aside from displaying the complete spectrum graph, including: singlet or multiplet ROIs and peak identifications, Y-Spect can also display the first- or second-derivative of the spectrum data. Data evaluation is given as: isotope names, peak energy, Net-Count(-Rate), etc. Y-Spect is provided with a complete ENDF/B-VII.0 gamma-ray library file that contains of 16089 gamma energy lines from 1420 different radioisotopes. Other general specifications are: maximum number of: spectrum's channels = 16*1024; ROIs = 2*1024; ROI’s width = 2*1024 channels; Overlapping peaks (multiplet) = 20; Identified isotopes = 3*1024, and Isotope library's energy lines = 16*1024. Received: 16 January 2013; Revised: 21 April 2013; Accepted: 25 April 2013