Computer program handles data from low-energy nuclear physics experiments which utilize the ND-160 pulse-height analyzer and the PHYLIS computing system. The program allows experimenters to choose from about 50 different basic data-handling functions and to prescribe the order in which these functions will be performed

Gemmell, D. S.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

May 1969
	
Brief 69-10094 
ICY
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the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
On-Line Computer System for Use with Low-Energy Nuc1ear,
Physics Experiments Is Reported 
Tandem Van De Graafe 
(basement level) 
owl 210 
(basement 
level)	 4 MeV 
owl 2100	 Van De Graaff 
Computing Area 
.
"Remote 
Station"
0	 150 
Scale )ft) 
= I -1 CDC3600 
Physics Division 
Building 
A generalized ASI-2100 computer program (the 
DIDJERIDOO program) has been developed to pro-
vide physicists using particle accelerators a flexible 
means of handling data acquired in experiments which 
utilize the ND-160 pulse-height analyzer and the 
PI-IYLIS computing system. The program allows ex-
perimenters to choose from about 50 different basic 
data-handling functions and to prescribe the order 
in which these functions will be performed. The ob-
jective is to give the physicist the greatest degree of 
freedom and flexibility in setting up his data-handling 
procedure. 
Although the data-handling procedures vary widely 
with different experiments, each individual procedure 
can be regarded as a particular sequence of elemen-
tary functions drawn from a basic set of such func-
tions (e.g., dump data into computer, print data on
Applied Mathematics 
Division Building 
line printer, position magnetic tape, etc.). To cover 
both two-parameter and one-parameter operation of 
the analyzer, about 50 functions are needed to form 
a "complete" set. 
The DIDJERIDOO program gives each of these 
functions a name which is a six-letter mnemonic. The 
physicist can select a sequence of functions either by 
typing in a sequence of mnemonics or by reading in a 
card previously punched with the desired sequence of 
mnemonics. Once selected, this sequence will be exe-
cuted by the program each time the B05"B" interrupt 
button is pushed. Operating procedures are given in 
the report referenced below. 
The ch6sen sequence of functions can be altered 
easily anytime during an experiment. This feature en-
sures flexibility and can also be useful if a piece of 
peripheral equipment fails. 
0	 continued overleul) 
I  
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the Atomic 
Energy Commission and/or the National Aeronautics and Space 
Administration. Neither the United States Government nor any per-
son acting on behalf of the United States Government assumes any
liability resulting from the use'of the information contained in this 
document, or warrants that the use of any information, apparatus, 
method, or process disclosed in this document may not infringe pri-
vately owned rights.
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By pushing the B05"C" interrupt button, any one 
of the basic set of functions may be selected and exe-
cuted independently. This is useful when a function is 
to be performed just once. The"C" interrupt is fre-
quently used to select functions not normally in the 
"B" interrupt sequence. 
The' 'A'? interrupt button is reserved for the mode 
of operation in which the ADC outputs are transmitted 
to the computer and buffered out onto magnetic tape. 
Since most of the basic functions operate on data 
such as pulse height spectra, certain specific areas 
of the ASI-2 100 core are reserved for these data.' The 
allocations in the core memory are discussed in the 
report. 
Both for ç6mmunication between different parts of 
the DIDJERIDOO program and for ease in off-line 
data analysis, the format of data recorded on mag-
netic tape and on cards was standardized. An alpha-
numeric card format was adopted. 
Every effort was made to have the program specify 
(via the typewriter) exactly what it wants as input data 
at each stage. The consequent typewriter "conversa-
tions" between experimenter and computer slow down 
the operation slightly. However, the loss in speed is 
more than compensated by the gain in clarity and the 
typewritten sheet then forms a useful log of the ex-
periment. 
The figure is a schematic diagram of the various 
components of the PHYLIS system.
Notes: 
1. Information on the program has been published by 
D. S. Gemmell in "WHADDAYADOO With The 
DIDJERIDOO?" ANL-6993, January 1965. The 
report is available from the Clearinghouse for 
Federal Scientific and Technical Information, 
Springfield, Va. 22151; price: $3.00 (microfiche 
$0.65). Additional information may be found in 
"An On-Line Computer System in Use with Low-
Energy Nuclear 'Physics Experiments," Nuclear 
Instruments and Methods, Vol. 46, pp. 1 - 15, 1967. 
2. This information may be of interest to persons and 
organizations concerned with processing large 
volumes of experimental data. 
3. Inquiries concerning this innovation may be di-
rected to:
Office of Industrial Cooperation 
Argonne National Laboratory 
9700 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439 
Reference: B69-10094 
Source: D. S. Gemmell 
Physics Division
(ARG- 10257) 
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for commercial use 
of this innovation may be made to: 
Mr. George H. Lee, Chief 
Chicago Patent Group 
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission 
Chicago Operations Office 
9800 South Cass Avenue 
Argonne, Illinois 60439
is 
C 
Brief 69-10094	 Category 01


On-line computer system for use with low- energy nuclear physics experiments is reported

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