Automated Measurements and Data Processing for Laboratory Exercises on Nuclear Physics

A.D. Antonov, A.G. Petrov, B.P. Toskov

The Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, email: toskov@pu.acad.bg

The system for automated measurements and data processing in laboratory experiments on nuclear physics is described. The system includes base radiometer Robotron 20046 or similar, communication interface and IBM PC/AT or compatible. HV Supply for nuclear detectors and a built-in timer are used from the radiometer. The connection is realized by specialized communication interface RS-232, based on single-chip micro controller PIC16F628. The signals start, stop and standardized TTL output from Robotron radiometer are decoded and manipulated by the micro controller and the data from measurements are periodically translated to the PC. The interface is simplified to the maximum, PC platform independent and easy adaptable to various types of gauges. The transfer to the PC is realized directly in ASCII format with special symbols for tabulation and CR. The data can be written directly into files or the keyboard emulation may be realized to appropriate standard software like MS Excel, Matlab, TableCurve etc. or to specially developed software for following data processing. The alternative interface version, working via keyboard input is developed to ensure full hardware and software independence. A specialized program environment for laboratory data processing in two versions is developed: LABEX working under MS DOS written on Turbo Pascal with Turbo Professional package and LABEXWIN for MS Windows 9x+ written on Borland Delphi 5.0. The developed system is in practical use in laboratory exercises on Nuclear physics, Radiation measurements and other courses.