VIPF (visual peak fitting)

This report is the manual for the VIPF program which analyzes gamma peaks. The analysis of γ-rays is needed in the field where radioactivities are treated. Therefore, in order to be used easily, VIPF works on the WINDOWS system and is contrived to increase its versatility. The shape of a γ-ray is approximated with a Gauss function and a quadric function and a step function are used as background functions. Residuals from a measured spectrum can be checked with an arbitrary function, and the shape of a peak can be discussed. The analyzed result is displayed on the screen and the displayed figure can be directly printed or saved as a TEX file. Two kinds of data format (binary and character modes) for spectrum files are available. Two spectra are simultaneously displayed at the upper (Uspectram) and lower (Lspectrum) parts on the screen. The operation (a x Uspectrum + b x Lspectrum → Lspectrum, a and b are real numbers.) is performed for these spectra. A peak can be added or deleted on the displayed screen. If the calculated result is not satisfying, recalculation can be performed with new parameters such as modified boundaries of the calculation region, or a fixed peak position or a fixed FWHM. Parameters needed for the analysis of γ-rays are mentioned and methods to modify them are described. (author)