LB4100 Multi-Detector Low Background Alpha/Beta Counting System
Features
- Configurable and upgradeable from one to four counting drawers
- High performance gas-flow detectors with ultra thin 80 µg/cm2 window
- Up to four sample detectors per counting drawer configured with 3.2 or 5.7 cm detectors (1.25 or 2.25 in.)
- One sample detector per counting drawer configured with an 8.3 or 13.3 cm (3.25 or 5.25 in.) detector
- Individual window per detector with easy operator field replacement
- Independent detector start/stop
- Optional sample carrier inserts allow counting of smaller size samples with consistent geometry
- Automatic calibrations for Plateau, Efficiency, Spillover, and Background
- Windows® XP and Windows Vista® compatible
Description
The LB4100 low background alpha/beta counting system is designed for applications requiring high sample throughput with long counting times. The system can be configured in the factory or upgraded from one to four counting drawers in the field. The maximum capacity is sixteen 3.2 or 5.7 cm (1.25 in. or 2.25 in.) high efficiency gas-flow detectors.
Each detector provides the operator with individual start and stop counting control for maximum flexibility. Visible lighted power switches and an illuminated control LED status panel provide real-time viewing of system information.
The LB4100 is a workhorse in many environmental laboratories. When high throughput with long count times is a requirement, the LB4100 is the instrument of choice.
Multiple Detector Configurations
The LB4100 is a true multi-tasking counting system that is the right choice for many different counting applications. The basic system is equipped with a single counting drawer and can be equipped or upgraded with additional counting drawers to a maximum of four drawers. Each counting drawer contains high quality gas-flow pancake style proportional detectors with ultra thin low background windows to provide the greatest measurement sensitivity.
The LB4100 system can be equipped with 3.2, 5.7, 8.3 or 13.3 cm (1.25, 2.25, 3.25 or 5.25 in.) high performance detectors. Because the LB4100 is an intelligent counting solution to today's practical situations, each counting drawer may be configured with different sizes of detectors. A single counting drawer can be equipped with a single 8.3 or 13.3 cm (3.25 or 5.25 in.) detector or four 3.2 or 5.7 cm (1.25 or 3.25 in.) detectors for maximum sample throughput for up to 16 detectors in a system. This allows customization of a low background alpha/beta system to meet various application needs where multiple sample sizes must be counted.
Low Background Shielding
The exceptional low background of the LB4100 system is the result of providing 10 cm (4 in.) of specially qualified, low natural background lead. Each counting drawer has additional shielding to reduce interference from adjacent detectors. The LB4100 also incorporates a graded shielding system to reduce environmental background. High speed anti-coincidence circuitry is used to detect and reject any spurious background events.
Redundancy Built-in
The LB4100 counting system utilizes state-of-the-art microprocessor based electronics. The LB4100 equipped with three or more counting drawers is actually two counting systems in one. An advanced electronic controller manages counting and data acquisition for up to two counting drawers. A dual independent control system is utilized for additional counting capacity. This is a unique feature of the LB4100. In a four-drawer system, if two drawers on one controller require maintenance, the other drawers continue to count. This means less down time and greater throughput for the laboratory.
Apex-Alpha/Beta Counting Productivity Software
The LB4100 system incorporates the Apex-Alpha/Beta software application for the control of system functions and analysis of counting data. All system data is saved to a SQL Server® database for extremely flexible output options. Graphical displays of system and detector status provide an interactive approach to nuclear counting applications.
Automatic System Calibration
Routine calibration is integrated into Apex-Alpha/Beta software. Calibration is simple. Plateaus are automatic. The system automatically increases the detector voltage and creates a real-time onscreen graphical display of the plateau calibration.
The region of interest setup screen includes spectral data allowing users to SEE how the counts fit into the counting regions.
A calibration can be based on constant efficiencies or fitted efficiencies. A fitted efficiency compensates for sample self-absorption/attenuation based on the mass of the sample.
User-Defined Counting Applications and Calibrations
The system uses easy to setup analysis procedures for calibration, QA, and sample counting. The calibration consists of count mode, background type, and efficiency type. Multiple calibrations can be created as needed for different types of samples.
Multiple analysis procedures can be linked to a single user-defined calibration. Counting procedures consist of counting time, iterations, and what types of corrections need to be performed.
Batch and Sample Creation
Sample batches are created through the Batch Manager. Samples can be entered individually, or the Sample Helper can be used to create multiple copies of a similar sample. Each sample can then be edited with sample specific information. Samples are identified as swipe/smear, filter, solid, or liquid. QA samples such as Matrix Spike and Laboratory Control Standards can be included in sample batches. Sample batches can be reused to recount a previously analyzed sample batch or as a starting point to count a new batch with similar characteristics.
Security is a Priority
In today’s laboratory environment, the need to ensure good laboratory practices is an integral part of daily operations. Apex-Alpha/Beta software provides the system administrator with the capability to limit system critical functions to qualified individuals, providing the security needed to ensure quality results. All calibrations, QA counts, and samples can be approved automatically or can require one or two separate approvals.
Quality Control
Monitoring system performance is easy on the LB4100. Apex-Alpha/Beta software allows the operator to maintain quality control charts for each detector tracking background, source check efficiency percentage, and source check count rate. Mean and standard deviation values can be entered manually, derived from the calibration, or calculated based on the last n days of QA counts. Values can be charted and printed directly from the software.
QUESTIONS? 
In the United States
(800) 243-3955
Outside United States:
(203) 238-2351
