BrightSpec have released bGamma v1.7.2, a significant update to their professional gamma‑ray spectrometry software, focused on improving data quality, analytical confidence and reporting flexibility. This release introduces powerful new spectrum comparison toolsthat allow users to visually overlay and interrogate spectra in real time, making it easier to validate measurements and identify subtle differences between samples. Alongside this, the inclusion of Minimum Detection Limit (MDL) calculations provides greater flexibility when reporting detection capabilities, particularly where efficiency‑based activity limits are not required.

The update also delivers a refined quantification model and reporting workflow, giving users more control over uncertainty handling and report content, while reducing setup time for both routine and advanced analyses. Enhancements to the Efficiency, Peak‑to‑Total and Nuclide Library editors streamline calibration work and improve data exchange between systems, and integration of the new BrightSpec FLINT detector further simplifies hardware‑software connectivity. A range of usability improvements, updated preferences and a revised user manual complete a release designed to support faster, clearer and more reliable gamma‑spectrometry workflows.

Key Highlights in bGamma v1.7.2

Spectrum Comparison Tools

To support better measurement validation and faster interpretation, bGamma now allows direct visual comparison of two gamma spectra within the same plot, helping users quickly identify differences and confirm spectral quality.

What’s new:

• Overlay a comparison spectrum beneath the active spectrum
• Compare by channel number or calibrated energy
• Display intensity as counts or count rate (cps)
• Cursor readout shows values for both spectra simultaneously
• Comparison mode can be shown or hidden instantly via the context menu
• Visual appearance fully configurable via Preferences
• A comparison spectrum can be preloaded when connecting to a device

MDL (Minimum Detection Limit) Calculations

For applications where detection capability needs to be assessed independently of efficiency calibration, bGamma now includes MDL calculations alongside existing MDA tools, providing greater flexibility in how detection limits are reported.

What’s new:

• MDL calculation option added to the quantification workflow
• MDL based on spectral statistics and background continuum
• No efficiency data required (unlike MDA)
• Configurable default MDL reporting units
• Dedicated MDL report format

Improved Quantification Model & Reporting

To make complex analyses easier to configure and reports more consistent, the quantification model has been reorganised with clearer structure and greater control over reported outputs.

What’s new:

• Model settings grouped into logical sections
• Options enabled or disabled dynamically based on analysis state
• New uncertainty settings tab, including control over report inclusion and formatting
• New report table column settings, allowing users to select which parameters appear in outputs

Efficiency, Peak-to-Total and Editor Enhancements

Calibration and library management workflows have been refined to reduce setup friction and improve consistency between projects and users.

What’s new:

• Efficiency Editor load controls consolidated into a single action
• Calibration curve legends added, with adjustable positioning
• Energy axis no longer limited to calibration point range
• Zoom and pan added to calibration plots, matching spectrum plot behaviour
• Clear removal workflow for Peak‑to‑Total and Efficiency calibrations

Improved bGamEff Integration

When importing efficiency calibrations, bGamma now provides clearer control over which elements of the calibration environment are applied, reducing the risk of unintended configuration changes.

What’s new:

• Import dialogue displays detector, setup and sample data from bGamEff
• Users can selectively apply setup and detector data
• Optional application of sample data
• Clear prompts before changes are committed

Enhanced Nuclide Library Exchange

To support consistency across systems and teams, nuclide library files now preserve key gamma‑line selections, making shared libraries more reliable and reusable.

What’s new:

• Key‑line flags saved when exporting nuclides to library files (.grad)
• Option to import and propagate key lines when loading a library
• Key lines automatically applied to the local nuclear library
• Fully exchangeable nuclide library files

Integration of the BrightSpec FLINT Detector

Support for the new BrightSpec FLINT integrated detector simplifies setup and ensures detector information is correctly applied throughout the analysis workflow.

What’s new:

• Automatic reading of FLINT detector information on connection
• Detector data propagated into the active bGamma document

Read more:

A complete gamma spectrometer — scintillation detector, silicon photomultiplier array, temperature‑stabilised bias supply and full‑featured digital multichannel analyser — integrated into a single USB‑powered enclosure. Available in the UK from JCS Nuclear Solutions.

Gamma spectrometry has traditionally been implemented using a chain of dedicated instruments — detector, photomultiplier, high‑voltage supply, signal‑processing electronics and multichannel analyser — assembled and configured to suit a particular application. This modular approach remains powerful and flexible, particularly in stable, fixed laboratory environments.

FLINT takes a modern alternative approach: integrating the entire spectrometer chain into a single, compact instrument, without compromising measurement performance or configurability. The scintillation detector, silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) array, temperature‑stabilised bias supply and full digital MCA are housed within one thermally isolated aluminium enclosure, connected to the host computer via a single USB cable that provides both power and data.

The result is a gamma‑ray spectrometer that is quick to deploy, straightforward to transport and inherently robust. By eliminating external signal and power cabling, FLINT simplifies setup and reduces opportunities for noise pickup and drift — advantages that are particularly valuable in field surveys, temporary measurement campaigns and experimental setups where space or environmental conditions are less controlled.

Integration in FLINT is achieved without compromise to spectroscopy performance. The instrument specifications are consistent with those of a discrete BrightSpec detector and electronics chain, while benefiting from reduced internal noise and improved thermal stability.

Standard FLINT configurations employ cylindrical NaI(Tl) scintillators: 51 mm × 51 mm (2″ × 2″) in the FLINT‑NAI‑2 and 76 mm × 76 mm (3″ × 3″) in the FLINT‑NAI‑3. Energy resolution at the 661.7 keV photopeak of ¹³⁷Cs is specified as better than 7.6%, with low‑energy electronic noise below 15 keV. Alternative scintillator materials — including CsI(Tl), CeBr₃, LaBr₃(Ce), LBC and SrI₂ — are available on request.

The integrated digital MCA provides up to 4096 channels with 32‑bit depth per channel. Pulse processing is performed using a fully configurable digital trapezoidal shaper (rise time 0.1–12 µs; flat top 0.1–8.0 µs), supported by a digital baseline restorer, advanced pile‑up rejection and user‑configurable noise filtering and thresholds. Both Pulse‑Height Analysis (PHA) and Multi‑Channel Scaling (MCS) acquisition modes are supported, with an integrated digital oscilloscope available for setup and diagnostics.

An internally generated, temperature‑compensated bias supply minimises photopeak shift and energy‑resolution drift across the operational temperature range. FLINT is powered directly from the 5 V USB bus and requires no external mains supply.

FLINT is well suited to applications where a self‑contained, portable spectrometer simplifies deployment and operation, including:

• Teaching and training laboratories, where minimal cabling and rapid setup support practical instruction in gamma‑ray spectrometry.
• Routine sample‑counting workflows in environmental monitoring, industrial measurement and health‑physics applications.
• Field surveys and temporary measurement campaigns, where reduced mass, part count and cabling improve reliability and ease of use.
• Research, OEM and system‑integration projects, supported by BrightSpec’s cross‑platform programming libraries for Microsoft Windows, Linux and macOS.

A basic acquisition and spectrum‑visualisation software package is supplied with every FLINT as standard. The PRO configurations — FLINT‑NAI‑2‑PRO and FLINT‑NAI‑3‑PRO — additionally include a single licence of bGamma, BrightSpec’s full‑featured gamma‑ray spectrum analysis and radioisotope quantification software, supplied as a cost‑effective bundle.

FLINT is CE certified and rated for continuous operation over an ambient temperature range of –10 °C to +60 °C.

JCS Nuclear Solutions is the UK representative for BrightSpec, working in close technical collaboration with the BrightSpec engineering team in Belgium. JCS supports customers across the UK research, industrial and nuclear sectors with system specification, supply, commissioning, calibration support and ongoing technical assistance throughout the instrument lifecycle.

For application discussions, scintillator‑material selection guidance, system‑configuration advice or formal quotation requests, please contact the JCS technical sales team.

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We set our baseline year for our pathway to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with UK Government targets and the principles of responsible public procurement.

Partnering with Ecologi

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We are committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability across all areas of our business. As a trusted supplier to the nuclear, defence, medical, and research sectors, we recognise our responsibility to reduce our environmental impact and contribute positively to the planet.

We understand that the most meaningful contribution any organisation can make to the climate crisis is to reduce its own emissions. That’s why we are actively working to minimise our environmental footprint across all operations and supply chains.

We are committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with the UK Government’s legal targets, PPN 006 (formerly PPN 06/21), and the Procurement Act 2023. Our Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) outlines our current Scope 1, 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions, reduction targets, and the measures we are implementing to improve our environmental performance. This plan is publicly available and reviewed annually.

 

Recognising that some emissions are currently unavoidable, we have partnered with Ecologi, a platform that enables businesses to take meaningful climate action. Through Ecologi, we support:

• • Verified carbon offsetting projects
  • Global reforestation and habitat restoration
  • Community-based climate solutions

These initiatives go beyond offsetting—they restore ecosystems, prevent future emissions, and deliver tangible benefits to local communities. Ecologi only backs projects that meet the highest international standards, including the Gold Standard, Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), and additional certifications such as CCBS and SD VISta. Independent platforms like Sylvera are used to assess and monitor project quality.

Our partnership with Ecologi enables us to contribute to solutions addressing:

• • Land habitat degradation
  • Desertification
  • Soil sealing
  • Deforestation
  • Declining species populations
  • Invasive alien species
  • Ecosystem service dependencies

We operate with a documented Environmental Management System (EMS), set measurable objectives, and monitor progress regularly. Our approach includes:

• • Efficient resource use
  • Pollution prevention
  • Lifecycle consideration of the products we supply

Transparency and accountability are central to our values. We publish updates on our environmental performance and progress towards Net Zero on our website, and we welcome stakeholder engagement.

This statement is signed and endorsed by senior leadership and forms part of our Quality Management System (QMS). It is reviewed annually to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness.

By supporting these initiatives, JCS Nuclear Solutions is taking a proactive step in climate responsibility—helping to build a more sustainable future while staying true to our values of scientific excellence and environmental integrity.

JCS Carbon Reduction Plan

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JCS Nuclear Solutions Commits to Net Zero: Setting Our Baseline Year.

Click the link below to learn more about our plan:

More info

Modern Gamma Spectroscopy Software

bGamma spectroscopy Software is an all-inclusive, modern software package for gamma-ray spectrum analysis, radionuclide identification and quantification. The software can analyse any recorded gamma-ray spectrum independently of the detector type, geometry or sample. 

bGamma provides all the necessary tools and functionality for performing a detailed analysis of complex gamma-ray spectra and the corresponding radionuclide identification for the given sample. 

“This software is a comprehensive software package designed from the outset to bring gamma spectrum analysis up to modern requirements.”

Version 1.7.0

Announcing the latest release of bGamma software, version 1.7.0, now available through BrightSpec. This update introduces a suite of advanced features, performance enhancements, and critical bug fixes designed to support more efficient and accurate gamma spectroscopy workflows.

Read more about bGamma software here

Contact JCS for further detail on this update

Introduction

In a groundbreaking collaboration between AWE (The Atomic Weapons Establishment) and JCS Nuclear Solutions, the GMS595 has emerged as a game-changer in the field of gamma monitoring.

Unlike conventional gas-filled detectors, which require warm-up time and are affected by temperature and pressure, the GMS595 operates seamlessly without delays. From nano Sieverts per hour (nSv/hr) to 1 Sievert per hour (Sv/hr), this instrument provides accurate measurements across a wide gamma dose-rate range and an impressive energy response from 32 keV to 7 MeV.

Pulsed Gamma and X-ray Fields

The latest development in the GMS595’s capabilities is its ability to measure dose rates in pulsed gamma and x-ray fields.

This breakthrough extends its applications beyond traditional gamma monitoring. Now, radiation protection professionals can confidently use the GMS595 for non-destructive testing (NDT) and shielding surveys, even in high-powered betatron and x-ray generator environments.

Continuous Pulsed Radiation

Continuous pulsed radiation refers to a mode of radiation exposure where short pulses of radiation are used instead of continuous exposure. Unlike continuous (uninterrupted) radiation, which maintains a constant intensity, pulsed radiation involves periodic bursts or pulses of radiation.

In contrast to continuous fluoroscopy, which provides a continuous stream of X-rays, pulsed fluoroscopy aims to reduce the dose to patients and staff by using short pulses of radiation. The pulse frequency should be as low as possible while still achieving clinically desired results. Short pulses minimise the overall radiation exposure, leading to reduced dose accumulation over time.

Betatron:

• Frequency: 200 Hz
• Pulse Width: 1 µs (microsecond)
• Betatrons are commonly used for high-energy electron beam therapy in cancer treatment.

LINAC:

• Frequency: 360 Hz
• LINACs accelerate charged particles (usually electrons) along a linear path.
• They are used for various medical procedures, including radiation therapy for cancer treatment.
• So far, only very low dose rates have been tested with LINACs, further testing is planned for later this year.

X-Ray Generators

• These devices are portable X-ray generators used for NDT and security applications.
• Frequency: 10 Hz
• Pulse Width: 10 ns (nanoseconds)
• Maximum Energy (Emax): 250 keV (kilo-electronvolts)
• The short pulse width allows for precise imaging while minimising radiation exposure.

Applications

• Nuclear power generation: ensuring safety during reactor operations and maintenance.
• Nuclear fuel processing: monitoring radiation levels in fuel processing facilities.
• Non-destructive testing (NDT): assessing material integrity without damaging the structure.
• Fusion energy research: supporting experiments in controlled nuclear fusion.
• Nuclear decommissioning: safeguarding workers during decommissioning activities.
• Defence and security: detecting radiation threats in critical areas.
• Medical physics and nuclear medicine: precise dose-rate measurements in medical settings.

Visit the GMS595 web page here >>>

Firmware Updates

The GMS595 has undergone several firmware updates, enhancing its functionality and compatibility:

v1.2

First production release firmware providing the following:

• Primary operational requirements achieved
• Laid the foundation for subsequent improvements.

v2.04

The first major firmware update brings the following improvements:

• Integrated dose feature, allowing operators to select functionality between standard dose-rate measurements and setting up total dose interval parameters for integrated dose measurements.
• ntroduces a new boot-loader functionality, giving calibrators and admins the ability to upgrade new instrument firmware. Removing the requirement to return the instrument to the JCS Nuclear Solutions for firmware upgrades.

v2.09

Pulsed-field measurement capability comes to the GMS595 for non-destructive testing and shielding survey applications  This update brings the first wave of pulsed-field measurement capability after extensive testing with Betatron generators:

• Betatron compatible.
• Updated hardware support.

v2.10

This update is all about laying the foundation for exciting hardware upgrades, including a new beta detector. This firmware will allow efficient manufacture, set up, test and calibration of each GMS595 model variant:

• Support was added for beta detector measurements.
• Automatic detector recognition streamlines manufacturing and setup operations.

JCS takes great pride in supporting the Made in Bury Business Academy, a vital resource for local startups. Launched in 2016, the academy offers essential support during the challenging early years of business. Startups that engage with well-structured programs providing coaching, mentoring, and a robust support network experience significantly higher survival rates compared to national statistics.

Since its inception, the Business Academy has made a profound impact, aiding 125 Bury startups. Funding for this program comes from the Made in Bury Weekly £2000 Draw, a not-for-profit initiative licensed by Bury Council. Soon, this initiative will extend its support by providing interest-free loans to Bury businesses.

Beyond our corporate sponsorship, JCS Managing Director, Oliver Caunt, proudly serves as a Patron of the Academy. With 11 active Patrons, we play a hands-on role in guiding the program, offering mentorship to participants, and serving as a review panel for the interest-free loans funded by the Made in Bury weekly £2000 draw.

This initiative is truly exciting and unique, and we are honoured to be part of it. Local assistance, advice, and support are often elusive for startup businesses, making the involvement of its Patrons incredibly worthwhile.

This year the SRP celebrates 60 years of radiation protection and the AGM is being held in Aberdeen where, JCS are looking forward to once again joining the SRP community for the annual conference and exhibition.

Visit us on Stand 9 to see a demo and discuss any projects you have that we might be able to help with.

At the exhibition

We will be showcasing our range of instruments, shielding, and detectors and exhibiting our RMS30 gamma and neutron sensors, which, as a smart device, is gaining some serious traction across the UK nuclear landscape.

The RMS30 is designed to accept a growing number of JCS designed probes and accessories, which is continues to expand how and where the instrument can be deployed.

Key RMS30 Features

• Dual channel input
• Accepts a variety of JCS designed smart probes
• Recognises probe-type
• Supplies correct voltage to all system probes
• Network Capabilities
• User defined units: sV/h, CPS / rem/h
• Displays data (e.g. μSv/h) from 1 or 2 probes
• Display probe type & serial number on screen
• Logs data to internal memory for PC retrieval by USB
• User defined sample times
• User, supervisor & administrator modes
• User-defined alarm threshold per channel
• Internally alarm sounder
• Displays battery Life
• Displays/logs alarm events
• Portable

Dose rate ranges measured

Gamma Probes:

• RMS30-101: 10µSv h⁻¹ to 3 Sv h⁻¹
• RMS30-102: 3µSv h⁻¹ to 100 mSv h⁻¹
• RMS30-103: 100µSv h⁻¹ to 10 Sv h⁻¹
• RMS30-104: 1µSv h⁻¹ to 40 mSv h⁻¹
• RMS30-110: 0.1-20 Sv h⁻¹ (prototype)

Neutron Monitor:

• RMS30-106: µSv h⁻¹ to 100 mSv h⁻¹

We will also be exhibiting:

• Networked Radiation Monitoring Systems
• Gamma Dose-rate Monitors
• Installed Radiation Monitors
• Handheld Radiation Monitors
• Equipment Obsolescence & EOL Management
• Radiation Shielding Materials, Standard & Exotic

Date: 25 – 27 Apr July 2023
Location: The Event Complex Aberdeen

JCS Nuclear Solutions awarded Cyber Essentials Plus certification in recognition of high cyber security standards & practices.

Cyber Essentials Plus certification is a prerequisite for organisations applying for defence, civil nuclear and critical national infrastructure projects in the UK.

We are committed to ensuring that our customers can rely on the highest standards of security & compliance. The Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation underpins our commitment as a key supplier of materials and equipment to the nuclear & defense sectors.

“At JCS, we are focused on embracing the very highest standards. Our commitment to achieving the Cyber Essentials Plus certification is part of our continuous improvement philosophy and reflects our commitment to cyber safety for all our stakeholders”

Oliver Caunt MD

The Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation is an endorsement that JCS is a company that takes cyber security very seriously. It demonstrates our understanding of the growing importance of cyber security for SMEs and our commitment to the UK Government Cyber Security initiatives.

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed scheme designed to help businesses protect themselves against cyberattacks, as well as prove their competency to potential customers. The program is split into two tiers with the top-level “plus” tier, which JCS has achieved, requiring an on-site audit. This higher level of assurance involves completing the online assessment followed by a technical audit of the systems that are in-scope for Cyber Essentials. This includes a representative set of user devices, all internet gateways, and all servers with services accessible to unauthenticated internet users.

The certification was awarded by IT Governance, an independent certifying body for the Cyber Essentials program, which conducts assessments and reports the outcome to the scheme administrators – the Information Assurance for Small and Medium Enterprises (IASME) consortium.

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Scintillation Detectors

Over 45 Years of Collaboration

At JCS we believe that the ideal detector design comes from a close collaboration where understanding your measurement requirements allows us to provide the exact detector you need.

"We work closely with you to understand your measurement challenges and optimise the detector design to answer them."

Optimising a detector to your requirements

It has always been our ethos that bespoke solutions, unique to each project, can deliver the best combination of material and electronics for your design.

Selecting the best scintillation material for your radiation detector depends strongly on the application. Important considerations to determine the optimum choice are:

Measurement

○ Radiation Type
○ Expected Energy Range
○ Anticipated count-rate
○ Acquisition requirements

Constraints

○ Environmental conditions
○ Experimental/use restrictions
○ Size restraints
○ Budgetary targets

Material

○ Mechanical & optical properties
○ Resolution
○ Density & atomic number (Z)
○ Decay time

Electronics

○ PMT type
○ Plug-on or integrated divider
○ Connector type
○ High voltage requirements

Measurement

○ Radiation Type
○ Expected Energy Range
○ Anticipated countrate
○ Acquisition requirements

Constraints

○ Environmental conditions
○ Experimental/use retrictions
○ Size restraints
○ Budgetary targets

Material

○ Mechanical & optical properties
○ Resolution
○ Density & atomic number (Z)
○ Decay time

Electronics

○ PMT type?
○ Plug-on or integrated divider?
○ Connector type?
○ High voltage generator?

Detector Range

We’ve been supplying radiation detectors since 1975 and in that time have built up an industry-leading portfolio of solutions and product expertise.

Our comprehensive range of scintillation detectors covers a wide range of applications. Recent projects include pulsed-shaped discrimination for neutron/gamma detection in plutonium assay, decommissioning, and high dose spectrometry.

Our detector materials include:

• Standard Scintillation Crystals
• Liquid Scintillators
• Plastic Organic Detectors
• Novel Detector Materials
• Integrated or Demountable Electronics
• Analytical Electronics & Software

See our materials table here >

 Contact us to start the collaboration:

+44 (0) 161 763 3334

Alpha/Beta SiPM

The Scionix thin Alpha/Beta SiPM Scintillation detector continues to impress, with a built-in temperature compensated bias generator & preamplifier.

Features

• Pulse rise time (0-100%): 150 ns (betas) & 1μs (alphas)
• Pulse fall time (1/e): 1.2 μs (betas) & 3 μs (alphas)
• Gain: Approx. 75 mV/MeV(betas) & Approx. 500mV /5.48 MeV (alphas)
• Noise level: < 50 keV (betas) @ 22 degrees C

PSD

The detector used allows the user to perform Alpha/Beta pulse shape discrimination measurements.

Further Info >

SiPM MCA

The Brightspec Topaz-SiPM, a miniature MCA designed specifically for SiPM detectors.

With a size of only 7 x 4.5 x 2.6cm, the Topaz-SiPM is the smallest of the Topaz MCA series and very likely the smallest fully-featured MCA on the market today.

TOPAZ-SiPM is a compact, stand-alone digital Multi-Channel Analyser (MCA), that is able to perform Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) of the signal produced by scintillation detectors which incorporates Si devices as photomultipliers (SiPMs). 

Further info >>>