New trends in nuclear spectrometry

An overview on the status and function of current spectrometry hardware, of detectors having energy-dispersive (spectrometric) properties as well as of the latest developments in quantitative spectrometry software is presented. Making extensive use of modern computing power, new strategies in high-precision spectrum analysis have been developed which enhance the quality of results and also open new fields of spectrometric applications. Three principles have been newly introduced to spectrum analysis software:-use no approximations in modelling (Physics, no numerology)-apply all available models to find a solution (Fuzzy Logic)-repeat complete analyses for iterative improvement (Learn from results).

► We present an overview of MCA hardware and detectors for nuclear spectrometry.
► Physics-oriented descriptions, Fuzzy Logic and multiple repetitive analyses lead to improved results in spectrum analysis.
► New strategies allow the successful deconvolution of spectra that could not be analysed before.