Development of PC-based nuclear instruments for gamma-ray spectroscopy using scintillation detectors

Software-based nuclear instrument modules (SNIMs) were developed that retain complete control and functionality of their hardware equivalents. Using SNIMs, a PC-based nuclear instrument laboratory (NIMLAB) was developed in C. The library of the modules developed includes amplifiers, counters/timers, single- and multichannel analyzers, and digital oscilloscopes. The main advantages of SNIMs over conventional nuclear instruments are their portability and their ability to assist in the design of experiments. For the latter, a complete set of standard laboratory gamma-ray sources and NaI (T1) detector with a preamplifier were also simulated using the integral response function and stochastic sampling technique. The SNIMs can also be used as a tool in teaching and training. © 1997 American Institute of Physics.