Non-Linear Least Squares Analysis of Proton-Induced X-Ray Emission Data

A Fortran program for analysis of spectra obtained in proton induced x-ray emission spectroscopy is under development. The first version is working and some results are shown. The program uses a model which describes the physics involved in the analysis. The continuum is described by an exponentially decreasing function representing secondary electron induced bremsstrahlung and a constant approximating different Compton scattering processes. Absorption effects are also included. All parameters in the model are fitted simultaneously. About 100 test runs have been made with good results. The continuum was accurately fitted for each spectrum. Other advantages are reliability, speed, and the fact that the program is easily adaptable to a small computer with 16K memory.