SIMULATED ANNEALING ANALYSIS OF RUTHERFORD BACKSCATTERING DATA

The combinatorial optimization simulated annealing algorithm is applie d to the analysis of Rutherford backscattering data. The analysis is f ully automatic, i.e., it does not require time-consuming human interve ntion. The algorithm is tested on a complex iron-cobalt silicide spect rum, and all the relevant features are successfully determined. The to tal analysis time using a PC 486 processor running at 100 MHz is compa rable to the data collection time, which opens the way for on-line aut omatic analysis. (C) 1997 American Institute of Physics.