Simplifying data fitting using branching ratios as constraints in alpha spectrometry

Interference between different emissions and the asymmetric peak-shape in alpha spectrometry with semiconductor detectors force one to use spectral deconvolution in order to evaluate contributions from individual peaks. Previously, only sets of unrelated peaks have generally been considered in fitting procedures, with the restriction of the same peak-shape being applied over the whole spectrum. However, in complex alpha spectra, several emissions commonly originate from the same emitting nuclide. The use of branching ratios as constraints simplifies the fitting process and more accurate results are achieved. Thus, we here describe fitting blocks of peaks as an alternative method for the deconvolution of alpha spectra.