Alpha Analyst Integrated Alpha Spectrometer
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Features
- Completely integrated alpha spectroscopy instrument
- 100% computer controlled electronics and vacuum
- Automatic recoil suppression control
- Modular for ease of expansion
- Straightforward sample oriented graphical user interface
- Clean Vent port to reduce moisture and contamination buildup in chambers
- Extensive QA record keeping built in
- Connects directly to Ethernet network
- Optional calibration services and startup
Description
CANBERRA's Alpha Analyst is the complete solution for both routine and non-routine alpha spectroscopy applications. This flexible instrument is designed to operate the way you do - whether that's counting samples in a production "batch mode" environment or one sample at a time in a research type environment. A single screen allows for the monitoring and control of every sample moving through the instrument as well as detailed information about each spectrometer. Whichever mode of operation is chosen the Alpha Analyst is designed to maximize sample throughput by guiding the user through each step of the operation including the selection of available chambers. An easy to follow graphical user interface greatly simplifies all facets of operation including setup and calibration routine sample analysis and review of quality assurance information - so less time can be spent training personnel and more time spent on analyzing samples.
Turnkey Performance
The Alpha Analyst is a turnkey instrument solution from CANBERRA. The Alpha Analyst is available with a full suite of integration, installation, calibration and training services that let you begin productive sample counting on day one.
Traditionally, the user of an alpha spectroscopy system might spend large amounts of time integrating components, setting up hardware and software, building analysis procedures, calibrating, training operators and writing standard operating procedures. With the Alpha Analyst and the full suite of calibration services performed by a trained expert, the instrument will be ready to begin processing samples in only a couple of days.
Complete Computer Control
The integral instrument controller unit coordinates all operations on an Alpha Analyst including: instrument setup, automatic pumping and venting of spectrometers, data acquisition, control and the monitoring of the status of each spectrometer.
Computer control of the front end electronics eliminates any knobs to turn or buttons to push so the possibility of tampering or accidental misadjustment is eliminated. Precise adjustment of all front end electronics is accomplished via emulated controls - right on the same screen as your spectrum. Instrument settings are maintained in secure setup files to which the system manager can restrict access - ensuring the system integrity is maintained at all times. A complete copy of all instrument settings is maintained with each and every sample measurement, providing traceability for each measurement directly to the appropriate instrument setup and calibration.
Vacuum management is accomplished entirely by the controller unit. There are no mechanical valves to manipulate simplifying the task of loading and unloading samples. The operator can concentrate on getting the samples counted and let the computer automatically manipulate the vacuum system to control venting, protecting acquiring chambers from inadvertent venting.
Data acquisition is continuously and automatically monitored during all aspects of instrument operation preventing any corruption of data due to vacuum loss. No longer will samples need to be recounted because the vacuum was lost 8 hours into a 16 hour count. The pressure of each individual chamber is independently and continuously monitored to verify correct operating conditions are established and maintained for data acquisition. Should the pressure in any chamber at any time during counting exceed the user defined limit, acquisition will be automatically suspended until the proper operating pressure is again attained, at which time the controller will continue the count..
Integrating your Laboratory
CANBERRA's Alpha Analyst offers the same consistency of operation and flexibility offered with all Genie applications. The Alpha Analyst instrument makes use of an Ethernet based computer controlled MCA located in the Alpha Analyst Controller Unit. Because it's Ethernet based, the Alpha Analyst can be located and controlled from where it's convenient for your operation - including remote instrument control.
Redundancy of operation is paramount in high volume applications - instrument down time due to computer failure cannot be tolerated. The Alpha Analyst is totally integrated containing the detector signal processing and control electronics - allowing instrument control to be easily switched to any of a number of existing network operating stations.
The availability of multiple access points throughout any network creates a more efficient operating environment. A remote workstation in the sample preparation laboratory can be used to define sample batches on the Alpha Analyst and enter all of the required sample information (sample ID, description, size, decay date, tracer volume, etc.) at the time physical sample batch is created and aliquoted. When the sample batch arrives in the counting room all that's required is to load the samples and start acquisition.
Figure 1:
Network Diagram
Graphical User Interface
The instrument operating interface is built upon CANBERRA's Genie 2000 spectroscopy package which takes advantage of multitasking PC based operating systems. The Alpha Analyst is a layered software product developed to take advantage of the existing features offered under the Model S509 Genie 2000 Alpha Analysis Software including the advanced alpha spectroscopy algorithms. The user interface is procedural in nature guiding the user through each operation step by step which lends itself to consistency of operation with minimal training. The graphical nature of the menus presents the operator with an aesthetically pleasing and easy to follow dialog which can be directed exclusively by mouse or keyboard or by any combination of the two.
User interface dialog uses "count room" terminology - not the terminology of general purpose MCAs or computer operating systems. The operator can run the complete system from within the Alpha Analyst software environment including seamless operation of manual alpha spectrometers with the automated Alpha Analyst spectrometers. Sample counting QA checks calibrations background counting and system maintenance are all handled within one environment.
The operating interface can be easily modified to create unique user specific operating levels so you can tailor the security system to your site specific needs. Each user level for example can be customized to allow for operators to perform routine tasks such as data acquisition and analysis and limit the operators ability to edit and delete important information. The manager security level is typically established for those individuals who are responsible for the setup and configuration of system parameters. This security protection has become increasingly important as spectroscopy data is associated with critical human safety and environmental concerns - where data may at some time be considered a legal record.
Control and Status
A single screen provides the user with complete control and status of all alpha spectrometers operated by the Alpha Analyst software - including the Alpha Analyst and manual spectrometers, such as the CANBERRA 7401 or 7404. The main menu contains pull down menus to access instrument control, sample and batch information editors, display controls and maintenance functions.
The "Control" function extends complete control to the operator to efficiently manage the movement of samples through the instrument. Individual selections control loading and unloading of samples, starting and stopping acquisition, and even the interruption of a count to analyze an emergency sample.
The main "Status" screen presents the operator with two main views by which to monitor the instrument status, which are alternately selected via a pull down menu. The "Sample Info" view (Figure 2) displays detailed information about the samples currently being analyzed, such as Batch ID, Sample ID, description and analysis protocol, allowing the operator to monitor the samples currently being analyzed.
Figure 2:
Control & Status -
Sample Information View
The "Chamber Info" view (Figure 3) displays important status information about the instrument hardware, such as chamber serial number, detector leakage current and bias, chamber vacuum pressure and the preset air thickness (in µg/cm2). Both views display detector ID, chamber status, and the preset and elapsed live times.
Figure 3:
Control & Status -
Chamber Information View
Batch Information Editor
To efficiently manage the analysis of large volumes of samples it is often necessary to group samples in batches. The Alpha Analyst's Batch Information File editor (Figure 4) utilizes an easy to follow dialog, prompting the operator for all of the required information to properly measure and analyze each individual sample. Whether the sample IDs are typed in or scanned in with the optional barcode reader, sample lists are built quickly and accurately with a minimum of effort.
Figure 4:
Batch Information Editor
Quality Assurance
The comprehensive Quality Assurance Software package offers the capability to automatically monitor both instrument and chemistry performance. To expedite the installation process the Alpha Analyst is supplied with template QA files which contain recommended parameters for all routine instrument operations. Should a user require the monitoring of different or additional parameters each quality assurance file is easily customized using the graphical quality assurance editor.
During routine operations requiring quality checks the operating software automatically ensures the appropriate information is transferred to the appropriate QA database. A QA record is thus created from which the user can create control charts and reports for evaluation and permanent storage. The data transferred to the QA records is also automatically analyzed as defined by the user and any out of specification conditions are automatically flagged on the main Control and Status screen and recorded in the QA Log file. This automatic flagging of the data eliminates the need to review every data point collected with each sample run - only those samples that have been flagged will require review.
Figure 5:
Partially removed chamber
To ensure the Alpha Analyst instrumentation is operating properly at all times support for routine instrument checks is built into the operating software including pulser checks, calibration checks and detector background checks. The QAparameter for each of these tests are carefully chosen to ensure that the Alpha Analyst is operating at peak performance and produces only the highest quality data.
Due to the complexity involved in the preparation of samples for alpha spectroscopy it is paramount to provide the capability to monitor the processes within the preparation laboratory. The Alpha Analyst utilizes counting protocols which provide for tracking of process information for "Unknown" "Reagent" "Control" and "Duplicate" samples (see Table 1).
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Table 1 - Definitions |
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UNKNOWN |
A sample containing a tracer and unknown concentrations of analyte(s). |
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REAGENT |
A "clean" sample (such as DI water) containing only a tracer. Normally used to monitor for sources of contamination introduced during the sample preparation process. |
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CONTROL |
A sample containing a tracer and an analyte of known concentration. Normally used to track accuracy of a particular method. |
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DUPLICATE |
A sample which has been analyzed in duplicate. Normally used to track the precision of a particular method. |
Information specific to each identified element and matrix such as tracer recovery, reagent blank contamination, control sample recovery and duplicate relative percent difference is automatically tracked for designated samples providing immediate feedback on the performance of sample preparation procedures.
With today's demands for quality, the ability to verify system performance at any given time is essential even if it's several years later. This is accomplished with the integrated CAM (Configuration Access Method) file format of the Genie system. CAMfiles provide a complete sample record every time an analysis is performed. Each CAMfile contains sample header information analysis parameters intermediate and final analysis results signal processing setup parameters (including instrument serial numbers) and the complete analysis library. Having this complete history stored with each and every sample enhances the integrity and verifiability of the instrument. Old sample analyses can easily be revisited without the concern for matching up the correct versions of a group of supporting files.
To provide a historical journal of all instrument activity, an Event Log File is automatically maintained recording all actions performed on the system. These files include a chronological record of samples counted calibrations instrument QA checks and background counts. Entry to this valuable information is handled through the standard user interface making it easy to access and further demonstrate the system integrity.
Standard Operating Procedures
The standardized instrument design of the Alpha Analyst eliminates the hours normally needed to write custom operating procedures specific to each user's application. Each instrument includes a complete set of operating procedures governing routine sample analysis QA checks, background collection and system calibration. Should the end user desire to customize these procedures, they are supplied in both written and electronic formats.
Recoil Contamination Protection
Even with the most carefully prepared samples system operators cannot eliminate the possibility of contamination of the detector with recoil nuclei. This unwanted contamination leads to decreased measurement sensitivity and ultimately longer counting times until some detectors are eventually rendered useless. The Alpha Analyst includes recoil suppression as a standard feature on each instrument so that you can maintain consistently low backgrounds maintain sample throughput and extend the life of your alpha detectors.
During instrument setup the user defines a desired air thickness (µg/cm 2 ) to maintain in the counting chamber during the measurement of samples. When samples are counted in the vacuum regulation mode the computer controlled vacuum system automatically regulates the operating pressure in each dual alpha spectrometer to within ±10% of the desired operating vacuum. This protective layer of air coupled with a +5 volt bias applied to the detector shell provides the ultimate defense from recoil contamination.
Interupt Feature
Emergency samples normally have to wait until a routine count was either completed or aborted prematurely. The Alpha Analyst provides an interrupt feature which allows an existing count to be suspended while an emergency sample is analyzed. Upon completion of the emergency sample the operator is then given the option of restarting the initial sample immediately or resuming acquisition at a later date.
Clean Vent Feature
In environmental applications requiring low sensitivity it is desirable to reduce or eliminate the introduction of radon and/or moisture into the counting chambers during loading and unloading operations. The Alpha Analyst makes available the clean vent port, which allows for the chambers to be vented using (customer supplied) dry bottled air or nitrogen which is free of radon and its progeny. All chambers are connected to a common vent manifold, which is supplied with low pressure compressed air or nitrogen. When the counting chambers are vented for sample loading/unloading the chambers are backfilled with this supplied gas and continuously purged while the chambers are open to atmosphere.
PIPS Detectors
CANBERRA's Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS) detectors are a product of modern semiconductor technology whose performance surpasses that of traditional silicon surface barrier (SSB) type detectors and diffused junction (DJ) type devices. The PIPS detector has a number of advantages over the older technologies for room temperature detection of alpha particles.
The electrical contacts on a PIPS detector are ion-implanted to form precise thin and abrupt junctions for good alpha resolution. The entrance window of a PIPS detector is stable and rugged - and standard detectors are bakeable to 100 °C. The leakage current a major contributor to detector noise is typically 0.1 to 0.001 that of SSB and DJ type detectors.
The Model A450-20 AM is by far the most popular model detector for standard alpha spectroscopy but other sizes are also available.
Manual Spectrometer Control
The Alpha Analyst operating software is completely compatible with any existing manual alpha spectrometers such as the Model 7401 or 7404. This feature allows existing customers to take advantage of the many features available with the Alpha Analyst software, particularly the easy to use graphical user interface batch file editor and extensive QA package. Expansion of existing systems can be easily accomplished by adding the Alpha Analyst hardware. The user interface will provide complete compatibility between the existing manual spectrometers and the new Alpha Analyst spectrometers allowing complete seamless acquisition control of all spectrometers from a single screen.
The Alpha Analyst on VMS
For users requiring capability with an Open VMS-based operating system the Alpha Analyst is also compatible with CANBERRA's VMS Alpha Management Software (AMS). This allows AMS users to expand or upgrade and take advantage of the features available with the Alpha Analyst hardware particularly the 100% complete control recoil suppression mode and space saving design. No longer will there be a need to perform any manual manipulations of valves or switches. The Alpha Analyst Model 7210 Controller will automatically orchestrate the venting and pumping of chambers during loading and unloading sequences. All instrument settings are easily controlled via a secure graphical user interface and recorded as part of each sample analysis. With many labs fighting for space to grow the compact design of the Model 7200 dual spectrometer offers a space saving alternative to the traditional manual spectrometers.
Installation and Calibration
Traditionally, the purchase of a new instrument meant days or even weeks of set up and calibrations before you could count your first sample. The Alpha Analyst is provided with complete factory integration and testing - so when the instrument is delivered it is ready to begin counting. When the Alpha Analyst is purchased with the exclusive installation and calibration services you'll be counting samples in record time.
The installation services include setup of the instrument at the customer's site software installation, tailoring of the setup to site specific requirements and training on the overall operation of the instrument. A trained professional will configure your instrument including the creation of all required nuclide libraries calibration certificates counting protocols analysis sequence files and QA files. When the setup is completed your operators will be trained and ready to calibrate and begin counting samples - all within a couple of days!
In addition to the installation services the calibration option can be purchased to complete the instrument setup. Complete energy shape and efficiency calibrations will be performed for any one geometry on each detector. Instrument checks will be performed including detector backgrounds and pulser checks. When finished the instrument will be completely configured and calibrated and your trained operators will be ready to begin counting samples.
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Note to our International Customers: If you would like a quote on this product, please contact your Local Sales Office for assistance. |
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| Models | Description | |
| 7200-02 | Alpha Analyst - 2 Input Benchtop Hardware | |
| 7200-04 | Alpha Analyst - 4 Input Benchtop Hardware | |
| 7200-06 | Alpha Analyst - 6 Input Benchtop Hardware | |
| 7200-08 | Alpha Analyst - 8 Input Benchtop Hardware | |
| 7200-10 | Alpha Analyst - 10 Input Benchtop Hardware | |
| 7200-12 | Alpha Analyst - 12 Input Benchtop Hardware | |
| 7200 | Dual Alpha Spectrometer | |
| 7400-01 | Vacuum Pump | |
| 7400-10 | Replacement Filter Cartridges (5) | |
| 7400-19 | ISO (16) Flange Adapter | |
| 7400-SRC | Mixed Alpha Standard Source | |
| AASW-G2 | Alpha Analyst Genie 2000 Software Package | |