Computer Controlled NIM Spectroscopy System Maintenance

Prerequisites: Familiarity with the Canberra Genie MCA operating system and software is helpful, but not necessary.

Purpose: This course is designed as a system level course for the instrument maintenance person, lab technician or countroom manager who will be responsible for the setup, operation and maintenance of gamma spectroscopy, body burden or other nuclear counting systems that make use of Canberra's computer controlled ICB and manual NIM equipment.

Description:
This course will cover the theory of operation for the following components used in computer based nuclear counting systems:

• Genie 2000 and Genie-VMS based Multichannel Analyzer operations using the Model 556 AIM and Digital Signal Analyzers.
• Detectors and Preamplifiers...Theory of operation, specifications and troubleshooting.
• Power Supplies...HV (ICB Model 9645) and LV supplies needed by the system.
• ICB Model 9615 Spectroscopy Amplifier.
• ICB Model 9633 and 9635 Fixed Dead Time ADCs.
• Model 8224 Mixer Router used in multi-detector systems.
• Interconnections and basic networking hardware.
• Running available diagnostic software.
• Digital Signal Processing theory.

The course concentrates on gamma counting systems and how each module of the system contributes. Lab assignments will have the student set up the counting system for proper operation. The lab will also demonstrate the effect of poor setup and equipment performance. Troubleshooting sessions on the spectroscopy system will allow the student to exercise this knowledge.