A microprocessor based data acquisition instrument of gamma ray spectroscopy

Germanium gamma ray spectrometers are extremely low noise, high resolution systems. A special purpose instrument, the multichannel analyzer (MCA), is used to digitize and histogram the data from these systems. MCA's have been in use for nearly 40 years and are highly developed devices. The subject of this thesis is a new architecture for the MCA, using a microprocessor based data acquisition system coupled with a personal computer.

A discussion of the complete germanium spectroscopy system is given, with special attention to those characteristics of the system which impact the design of the new instument. Classic MCA architecture is discussed and contrasted to the new architecture. Design of a high speed data interface to a personal computer is given in detail.

Software is shown to be a key element in the new instrument. Methods used to design well engineered software are discussed and examples are given.