Development of a web free software for the absolute efficiency calibration for HPGe type detectors

The technique of instrumental neutron activation analysis has been widely used by IPEN's Neutron Activation Laboratory (LAN), using the comparative method, using the IEA-R1 pool-type research reactor as the neutron source Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN). In this method a sample is simultaneously irradiated with a pattern of the element to be determined. In order to overcome the difficulty of a multi elementary analysis, because it is necessary to prepare several standards, the k₀ method of neutron activation was developed. In method k0 the concentration of the elements of interest of the sample is calculated in relation to a comparator element, generally gold. However, this method accurately requires the detection efficiency in the energy range of interest and the geometry of the experimental arrangement. In order to circumvent the manual processing of the data in electronic spreadsheets, which could lead to errors, a web software was developed with access from any free Internet device for calibration of the absolute efficiency of HPGe type detectors. It was used the free and low learning curve, Python programming language, standardized in the eScience project, to which the software is part, and the Django web framework. In the software it is possible to carry out all the registers of the information used in the calculation of the efficiency. In addition to calculating efficiency, the software plots the graph with the efficiency points, regression line, with possibility of adjustments, and error bar representing the uncertainties. As part of the e-science project, the software issues reports on spectra and efficiency data, allowing it to share. (author)