FRAM Isotopic Analysis Software

• Advanced gamma-ray isotopic analysis software for plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) materials

• Designed for nuclear safeguards, fuel cycle analysis, and forensic applications

• Compatible with HPGe, LaBr₃, and CZT detectors for flexible deployment

• Performs isotopic ratio determination without calibration standards

• Handles heterogeneous, shielded, and complex sample geometries

• Supports automatic analysis of unknown samples (Auto-analysis mode)

• Reads multiple spectrum formats: CHN, SPC, CNF, MCA, SPE, ASCII

• Advanced peak fitting and response-function modeling for high accuracy

• Command-line capability for automation and system integration

• Developed and validated by Los Alamos National Laboratory (since 1980s)

FRAM (Fixed-energy Response-function Analysis with Multiple efficiency) is a specialized gamma spectroscopy software platform developed for precise isotopic analysis of plutonium and uranium. Widely used in nuclear safeguards, nonproliferation, and fuel cycle analysis, FRAM enables accurate determination of isotopic composition using only gamma-ray spectra—without requiring calibration standards, making it highly efficient for real-world applications. The software analyzes gamma-ray spectra acquired from detectors such as HPGe, LaBr₃, and CZT and calculates isotopic distributions for:

• Plutonium isotopes (²³⁸Pu – ²⁴¹Pu)

• Uranium isotopes

• Americium (²⁴¹Am) and other transuranic elements

FRAM is uniquely designed to handle complex and heterogeneous samples, including:

• Shielded materials

• Mixed oxide fuels (MOX)

• Unknown or poorly characterized samples

Using advanced response-function peak fitting and multi-efficiency modeling, FRAM determines isotopic ratios independent of:

• Sample size

• Geometry

• Chemical composition

• Container type

A key advantage of FRAM is its auto-analysis capability, which iteratively adjusts parameters to optimize results—especially valuable when analyzing unknown or non-standard samples. The software also supports decay correction, peak deconvolution, and multi-region spectral analysis, ensuring high accuracy even in complex spectra. With its ability to integrate into automated systems and operate via command-line, FRAM is ideal for high-throughput laboratories, safeguards inspection systems, and field-deployable spectroscopy platforms.

Core Functions Gamma spectrum acquisition and isotopic analysis Plutonium and uranium isotopic ratio determination Multi-peak spectral fitting and modeling Analysis Capabilities Isotope identification and quantification: Pu isotopes (²³⁸Pu – ²⁴¹Pu) Uranium isotopes Americium and transuranics Response-function peak fitting (Gaussian + exponential tail) Multi-efficiency curve modeling for heterogeneous samples Least-squares isotopic ratio calculation Sample Handling Works with:

• Shielded samples

• Heterogeneous materials

• Mixed compositions (MOX, residues)

Independent of sample size, geometry, and matrix Automation & Intelligence Auto-analysis mode (adaptive parameter optimization) Command-line operation for system integration Batch spectrum processing Custom parameter sets and analysis templates Calibration & Corrections No calibration standards required Decay correction for isotopic fractions Background subtraction and peak correction Energy calibration adjustment and spectrum shifting File Compatibility Input formats:

• ORTEC (*.CHN, *.SPC)

• Canberra (*.CNF, *.MCA)

• IAEA (*.SPE)

• ASCII (*.TXT)

Hardware Integration Compatible with:

• HPGe detectors (recommended for high precision)

• LaBr₃ and CZT detectors (portable/field use)

Works within ORTEC CONNECTIONS platform Platform Windows-based (32-bit & 64-bit compatible) Secure user access with password control

• Nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation

• Plutonium and uranium isotopic analysis

• Nuclear fuel cycle monitoring

• Radioactive material verification

• Nuclear forensics and security

• Waste characterization (Pu/U materials)

• Field and laboratory gamma spectroscopy