SUPER-SABRE: an RSX-11M system for generalized gamma-ray spectroscopy

A system is described which provides generalized multi-user services for gamma-ray spectrometry with an existing laboratory computer. Purpose-built hardware is not employed. The current implementation is on a PDP11 computer under RSX-11M using commercial CAMAC units. The design, however, is not limited to specific hardware. Up to fourteen operators may use eight detectors or access an archive of many thousand spectra. An interactive command language is supplemented by a command file interpreter. A user may control data acquisition, manipulate, examine or analyze spectra. There is complete flexibility and independence in the use of terminals and other devices. SUPER-SABRE demonstrates particular features of computer-user interface design and provides test-bed facilities for analytical procedures within its software. It is capable of extension and modification to accommodate appropriate developments in computer technology. The current system is successfully employed in the measurement of environmental radioactivity, for radiation protection plant control and for neutron activation analysis