Automatic line fitting algorithm.
ALFA can identify and fit hundreds of lines in emission line spectra in just a few seconds. It does this using a genetic algorithm to optimise the line parameters, which works as follows:
The code is currently optimised for optical spectra but the algorithm is entirely indifferent to the wavelength range and resolution of the spectra to be analysed. The only requirement to get a good fit out is to create a meaningful reference line catalogue.
To install ALFA, unpack the source files somewhere convenient, then type
make
sudo make install
If you don't have the necessary permissions to execute the second command, then change the value of PREFIX in the make file to somewhere that you can write to, then type
make
make install
ALFA is released under the GNU General Public License, v3. The full text is in the file LICENSE.