Microprocessor data acquisition and evaluation system for energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer

X-ray emission analysis generally requires a multichannel analyzer and a minicomputer. The new system developed in ATOMKI (Debrecen, Hungary) is based on an INTEL 8080A microprocessor. It is much cheaper and can adequately control the process of data acquisition and evaluation. The program of the microprocessor is written in Assembly and it controls the spectral data acquisition by ADC and visualizes the spectrum on display. Some manipulations on the displayed spectrum are also possible. The system is capable of measuring total X-ray intensity as well as analysing the Au, Ag, Pt, Cu, etc. content of jewels and the Ca content of human hair. (D.Gy.)