Application Notes

Application Note AN63 (3136KB PDF)
Simply Managing Dead Time Errors in Gamma-Ray Spectrometry
Provides simple processes for overcoming the systematic and random errors caused by dead time in a gamma-ray spectrometer. The applicability of the livetime clock for sources generating essentially constant counting rate, and the Zero Dead Time (ZDT) scheme for sources with changing counting rates are explained. The statistical error to be reported in the measured counting rate is defined in both circumstances. The explanations are related to ORTEC gamma-ray spectrometers. But, with minor adjustments, they can be adapted to energy spectrometers for x rays, alpha particles and beta particles, or spectrometers from other manufacturers.

Application Note AN62 (177KB PDF)
Suppressing Noise in TOF-MS with FASTFLIGHT-2

Application Note AN61 (308KB PDF)
How Counting Statistics and the ADC Sampling Interval Control Mass Accuracy in Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

Application Note AN59 (148KB PDF)
How Counting Statistics Control Detection Limits and Peak Precision

Application Note AN58 (83KB PDF)
How Histogramming and Counting Statistics Affect Peak Position Precision

Application Note AN57 (447KB PDF)
Dealing with Dead Time Distortion in a Time Digitizer
This study examines the dead time distortions inherent with time digitizers applied to high event rates. It includes a practical scheme for making dead time corrections to the time spectrum after the spectrum has been acquired. The principles are elucidated by the typical application in Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (TOF-MS).

Application Note AN56 (83KB PDF)
Loss Free Counting with Uncertainty Analysis Using ORTEC's Innovative Zero Dead Time Technique
The ORTEC loss free counting method with estimation of the uncertainty associated with the collected data is accurate for rapidly changing count rate applications.

Application Note AN55 (98KB PDF)
Automated Laboratory Quality Assurance Program: Using the ORTEC GammaVision-32 Software

Application Note AN54
Triggering MALDI Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometers with the FASTFLIGHT™ Digital Signal Averager
Although the FASTFLIGHT Digital Signal Averager is optimized for handling the ultra-high data rates encountered when an Electrospray Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer analyzes the output of a chromatograph, FASTFLIGHT can also enable higher data acquisition rates with most modern MALDI Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometers.

Application Note AN53 (20KB PDF)
Diving Deep into Single-Ion Counting with FastFlight™
According to common knowledge in time-of-flight mass spectrometry, the correlated noise in a digital signal averager sets the detection limits for peaks exhibiting exceptionally low ion rates. Normally, that would cause one to choose a time digitizer to optimize detection limits at low ion rates. However, a trivial adjustment of the Vertical Offset allows FASTFLIGHT to duplicate the detection limits of a time digitizer at low ion rates.

Application Note AN52 (108KB PDF)
Picosecond Time Analyzer Applications in LIDAR and DIAL, Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry, Fluorescence/Phosphorescence Lifetime Spectrometry, and Pulse or Signal Jitter Analysis
AN52 explains the concepts of Multiple-Stop Time Spectrometry and the capabilities of the ORTEC Picosecond Time Analyzer (Model 9308) for the above applications. Techniques are described that measure ns to µs time periods to a precision of 1.22 picoseconds and digital resolution of 65,000 to 1.

Application Note AN51 (107KB PDF)
Pulse-Processing Electronics for Single-Photon Counting (from 10 to 10⁷ Counts/s)
Single-photon counting is a powerful measurement tool for quantitative measurements with low-intensity light sources. It provides excellent linearity and precision over a dynamic range of 100,000:1. This application note describes the instrumentation and methods for suitable single-photon counting with both steady-state and time-variant light sources. Simple explanations of how the systems work are provided along with a summary of the precision available under extreme operating conditions. Examples are provided for DIAL, LIDAR, Raman Spectroscopy, and Phosphorescence Decay applications.

Application Note AN50 (169KB PDF)
Instrumentation for Fluorescence Lifetime Spectrometry
This application note explains the basic principles of Fluorescence Lifetime Spectrometry and describes the electronic instrumentation needed to construct a system with picosecond time resolution. Guidelines are provided for adjusting the key operating parameters. A list of recommended instrumentation is included.

Application Note AN42 (1592KB PDF)
Principles and Applications of Timing Spectroscopy

Application Note AN40 (805KB PDF)
Heavy-Ion Spectroscopy with Silicon Surface Barrier Detectors

Application Note AN34
Experiments in Nuclear Science Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, Revised
Introduction to Theory and Basic Applications: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, X-Ray, and Neutron Detectors and Associated Electronics
The series of experiments included in this Laboratory Manual provide an introduction to the various techniques that are currently used to study nuclear science and a framework to help the student learn. The methodology, list of equipment, and step-by-step instructions that are needed are included in each experiment, together with sufficient reference material and theoretical information about the experiment to help the student interpret results.

The Whys and Wherefores of Measuring Drum Activity with ISO-Cart and the program ISOTOPIC
Decommissioning, decontamination, and normal processing of nuclear waste generates quantities of radioactive material in the form of many different matrices stored in many different sized containers. These containers must be measured to assay their radioactive content before moving, shipping offsite, burying, or placing in a storage area. Within their wide range of spectroscopy systems and products, ORTEC offers two products of great utility in this area, which specifically provide simple and cost-effective solutions to these gamma-ray measurement problems.

Sample Preparation for Low-Level Alpha-Spectrometry - Air Filters, Water, and Soils (354KB PDF)

Guidelines for Low-Level Gamma-Spectrometry - Air Filters, Water, and Soils
(1639KB PDF)

GammaVision-32 Version 5.2 How-To Guide: Make Gamma-Ray Measurements Today (325KB PDF)
GammaVision is an integrated gamma-spectroscopy data acquisition and spectral analysis software program that operates with the ease of the Windows-based operating system environment. This How-To Guide highlights the simple, straightforward GammaVision approach and takes the user through the basic steps for making gamma-ray measurements using GammaVision -- Today!

The Best Choice of High Purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector (621KB PDF)
The choice of the best HPGe detector for your particular measurement situation is based on a few simple rules. The rules are given and are based on some basic concepts about how the detection process works, how gamma rays penetrate materials, and the principles of gamma-ray spectroscopy.