Topaz-Pico | JCS Nuclear Solutions

TOPAZ-Pico is a compact, stand-alone digital Multi-Channel Analyser (MCA), which is able to perform Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) of the signal produced by a standard scintillation detector such as NaI(Tl), LaBr3 (Ce), LaCl3(Ce), etc.

The device is therefore useful for obtaining the energy spectrum from the photon radiation detected by the scintillator, and can be easily interfaced to a typical PC or notebook via a standard USB port for further data transfer and analysis.

The MCA is provided with a basic software package that allows to control the device, and to acquire and visualise the energy spectrum. The software incorporates an advanced and easy-to-use “discovery” function that can be used to detect automatically all the BrightSpec MCAs (bMCAs-USB, bMCA-Ethernet and TOPAZ-Pico) in the neighbourhood of the PC that are available for connection.

A set of programming libraries is also offered, which makes the incorporation of the TOPAZ-Pico into existing radiation systems or setups very easy. The programming libraries are available for both MS Windows and Linux operating systems.

The device is available either in a rugged, pocket-size aluminium box with input and output connectors or as separate Printed-Circuit Board (PCB) for OEM distribution.

Features at a glance

Fully digital Multi-Channel Analyser (MCA), suitable for medium-energy resolution detectors
OEM kits available
Full Pulse-Height Analysis (PHA) and Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS) modes of data acquisition
Up to 4096 channels for PHA and MCS acquisition
Advanced electronic noise reduction algorithms
USB 2.0 for data communication and device control
Miniature design combining low power consumption with low noise
Basic spectrum acquisition and device control software included
Optional TTL counter input available
Compact MCA: 107x72x19mm In Aluminium Case < 150 Grams
Programming libraries available for Windows & Linux Operating System (upon request)

Description

The TOPAZ-Pico is an advanced, fully digital, compact Multi-Channel Analyser. This device is used to process the electronic pulses produced by a photo-multiplier that is coupled to a scintillator detector. Such detectors are commonly used in the detection of gamma-ray radiation due to their high detection efficiency, medium energy resolution and relatively low price. This kind of MCA is able to produce an energy spectrum from the radiation events detected by the scintillator, storing it in the device’s memory for further retrieval and analysis by the PC.The MCA implements two modes of data acquisition:

Pulse Height Analysis (PHA)
Multi-channel scaling (MCS)

PHA mode is regularly used in nuclear spectrometry and radiometry, while MCS is a very useful feature for following photon detections in a particular specific energy regions in function of time. MCS acquisition mode is useful to both laboratory and industrial applications that make use of radioactive sources or seek for radioactive materials.

The TOPAZ-Pico design makes use of the latest advances in digital electronics. The MCA utilises powerful digital processing techniques and algorithms to better separate the useful signal from noise and to maximise performance under high count rate conditions. It also contains a miniaturised high-voltage power supply optimised for low consumption that provides the necessary power for the PMT tube, including those used with large scintillator detectors. The device has a spectral memory size of up to 4096 channels and can perform MCS in addition to PHA.

The device is cased into a rugged aluminium box of pocket sizes with one input connector (detector signal together with high voltage) and output\control connector (USB mini type B). Optionally, the MCA can have an extra input connection for TTL signal count, quite useful to connect the input of a neutron counter.

This device is also available as a separate PCB only, which makes it attractive to the OEM market. The programming libraries for Windows and Linux OS are available as well.

Standard Software

Our standard acquisition and spectrometry software is bundled with and can be used to connect to any of our Multi-Channel Analysers for managing operations such as setup, control, data acquisition and visualisation.

A digital oscilloscope function allows the user to monitor the input and filtered pulses to aid in fine-tuning the MCA parameters. The program also includes a few spectrometry-related functions for processing the spectral data such as calibration, ROI analysis and peak search.

Main features:

Control of the operation of the MCA device
Setup of acquisition parameters
Data acquisition in Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) and Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS) modes
Visualisation of the energy spectrum
Peak search and energy calibration
ROI-based spectrum analysis
Saving of acquired spectra into files in ASCII format
Generation of reports
Creation and use of nuclide libraries
Possibility of calling an external application for further spectrum processing at the click of a button

Extended Software

bGamma

Modern Gamma Spectroscopy Software

The new 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.

“The new bGamma software is a comprehensive software package designed from the outset to bring gamma spectrum analysis up to modern requirements…”

Features Include:

Multi-document application
Controls data acquisition via detector-MCA setups
Implements several automatic peak search methods
Provides different methods for peaks’ continuum correction
Region of interest (ROI) calculations and automatic and/or manual marking
Energy and shape calibrations using comprehensive data input with visual interaction
Easy to perform and yet powerful efficiency calibration
Includes several powerful spectrum analysis fitting methods, including Bayesian fitting. This wide choice of analysis methods warranties the success and/or suitability of spectrum analysis for any kind of gamma-ray spectrum and analysis needs
Fitting and mathematical model parameters are at hand for their quick changes and optimisation
Advanced and modern GUI for superb spectrum and analysis results visualization

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