Gamma-ray spectroscopy relies on spectral libraries to help identify radiations detected in nuclear physics experiments. These labraries are not tailored to prior knowledge about a sample, and they are not directly traceable to the standard databases of the National Nuclear Data Center. Current practices are prone to misidentification of nuclides and require significant interaction to the scientist. This project will develop technologies to manage custom gamma-ray spectral libraries. Data will be transfered from databases at the National Nuclear Data Center to a local computer where it will be converted into a library usable to commercial spectroscopy software. Graphic nuclide identification software will provide more sophisticated methods of identifying gamma-rays in a spectrum. Phase I will define a model for the custom spectral libraries, evaluate the quality of the existing nuclear data, and develop software prototypes to test the concepts. A nuclide identification program will be designed and prototyped to establish a model that can be implemented in Phase II.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The technology should have application to federal agencies, national laboratories, university research groups, and nuclear analytical laboratories, It could be applied in nuclear physics, nuclear chemistry, nuclear engineering, health physics, and environmental monitoring.
