ENSDF Modernization and JSON Conversion

The Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File (ENSDF) format was originally designed to be stored on 80-column punch cards. The technological limits of the time are reflected in ENSDF’s design choices, which save space at the cost of user-friendliness. Advances in computing technology and storage have since made these conventions far less necessary. In addition, years of nuclear physics research have greatly increased the volume and diversity of nuclear data. Both factors have prompted the National Nuclear Data Center’s (NNDC’s) present work, as an attempt to leverage modern technologies to meet future needs. The ENSDF format is currently being re-designed for use in JavaScript Object Notation (JSON). The present work focuses on a Java library being developed for parsing existing ENSDF datasets and converting them into JSON formats. The library’s design, organization, and uses will be discussed, along with the next steps for its development.

 

Work sponsored by the Office of NP, Office of Science of the U.S. DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02- 98CH10886