Micro-Detective® Next Generation ULTRA-LIGHT
Portable Hand-Held Radioisotope Identifier

Specifications

OPERATION MODES

SEARCH  Scanning mode for location of radioactive sources, with audio alert using an external ear piece. Both neutron and gamma search is simultaneous; speed settings 0.1 to 50 seconds/point.

SNM Search Mode™  Nuclide-specific search mode for U-235, Pu-239 and neutron counts. Ba-133 surrogate detection may be turned on for training purposes. Bar-graph display of nuclide confidence level: an aid to Identify mode.

IDENTIFY Gamma*  Proprietary scheme for identification and classification of radionuclides as:
            Industrial: Including ⁵⁷Co, ⁶⁰Co, ¹³³Ba, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹⁹²Ir, ²⁴¹Am, ⁷⁵Se
            Medical: Including ¹⁸F, ⁶⁷Ga, ^99mTc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²³I, ¹³¹I, ¹³³Xe, ²⁰¹Tl
            Natural (NORM): Including ⁴⁰K, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ²³⁸U
            Nuclear: Including ²³³U, ²³⁵U, ²³⁷Np, ²³⁹Pu, ²⁵²Cf

These classifications are based on an internal, fixed library according to ANSI N42.34. Customized libraries for specific applications can be supplied by special order

Dose Rate  Visual over range indication and continuous audible alarm, user settable. Over-ride alarm at dose rates >10,000 µSv/hr.

DETECTORS

Internal HPGe Detector

• Crystal: P-type high-purity germanium. Coaxial construction.

• Nominal Dimensions: 50 mm diameter x 30 mm deep.

Cryostat and Cooler  “Hardened” cryostat, with high reliability, low power Stirling Cooler. The cryostat design is such that the Micro-Detective may be switched off at any time and power subsequently re-applied, without having to wait for a full thermal cycle (full warm up before cool down), as is normal practice with a HPGe detector system. This feature greatly increases system availability during measurement campaigns.

Gamma Dose Rate Detector Two detectors determine the gamma dose rate over a wide range from <0.05 µSv/h to >10000 µSv/h, a dose-rate range of around six decades. For low dose rates, below ~20 µSv/h, the dose rate is determined from the Ge detector spectrum. For dose rates above this value, the internal compensated GM tube is used. Instrument switches between the two automatically.

Dose Rate Uncertainty ≤50% to +100%; continuous audible alarm at dose rates >10,000 µSv/h (fixed maximum threshold), user settable threshold below this.

Internal Neutron Detector Module  Single ³He tube: 4" active length, 0.5" diameter, 20 atm He³ fill pressure. High Density Polyethylene moderator. 5.5 in x1.3 in x 1.3 in. approximately.

Digital MCA and Data Processor

Display VGA 640 x 480 TFT sunlight readable touch-sensitive, operate with finger or stylus.

Data Processor Marvel 806 MHz XScale

Data Storage (Spectrum, Search Data, ID Results) To internal RAM and removable SD and CF (II) card (both slots are provided).

Computer Interfacing USB connection to laptop. Spectral transfer by Microsoft® ActiveSync. Remote control via Microsoft “remotedsp.exe” (supplied).

Wi-fi (802.11) communication software optionally available.

GPS Internal NMEA compliant WAAS capable.

Digital MCA with Internal Storage of Multiple Spectral Data

• Digital Noise Suppression: "LFR Filter" ORTEC Patent Pending.

• 8k channel conversion gain

• Maximum number of stored spectra unlimited on removable media.

DISPLAYS AND MENUS

Control Interface  Large, single key for initiation of ID, Search and MCA display modes on touch sensitive screen. Simple to use menu operation. Monitoring of vital system functions:

• Instrument Battery life remaining

• System DC voltages

• Detector Bias for both HPGe and GM

• HPGe Crystal Temperature

• Available Spectrum Storage Space

Main Screen

• Gamma Count Rate Bar Graph 20 kcps full scale.

• Dose Rate Bar Graph 10 mSv/hr full scale, flashes on over range.

• Status Lines
  WARNING!! High Dose Rate – Displayed when Dose rate exceeds 10 mSv/hr.
  Detector is Warm – Displayed when crystal temperature is above working limit.
  Bias Supply Error – Displayed if any power supply is bad.
  WARNING!! Low Battery

Search Mode (Gamma/Neutron)  Dwell times 0.1 – 50 seconds per point. Over-range warning.

SNM Search Mode™  Nuclide-specific search mode for U-235, Pu-239. Barometer display of nuclide confidence level.

Identify Nuclide ID and classification.

"Intense" shows the most intense lines list, which is a continuously updating list of the 12 best peaks currently detected. The nuclides and energies are based on the internal nuclide library. The rank is based on the confidence value for the peak.

"Save" Saves the spectrum.

"Display" brings up the spectral display. The spectrum may be manipulated via the arrow keys and various accelerator keys for cursor movement. Energy and channel contents are displayed with the spectrum.

Advanced Setup Password protected.

Calibration Check  Manual or Automatic Calibration Check (user choice of sources). Automatic may be triggered by interval or time of day. Instrument is supplied pre-calibrated from factory.

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Maximum Overall Dimensions (including handle, Ge detector end cap and shock absorbers) 14.7” L x 5.75” W x 11” H  (37.4 cm L x 16.6 cm W x 27.9 cm H)
Height with handle removed 9.23” (23.4 cm).

Weight  15.2 lbs (6.9 kg).

Internal Battery  Lithium Ion. >3 hours of battery life at 25°C when HPGe detector is cold. <4 hour time to charge.

External Battery  Battery lifetime may be extended indefinitely by the use of external battery packs. DETECTIVE-OPT-15 is recommended, weighs less than 3.25 lbs and extends lifetime to >10 hrs.

Input Power  10 to 17 V DC  from battery or DC power supply (universal mains supply included). Battery charger circuit is inside instrument .

Power Usage  Strongest during cool down: <100 Watt. While charging Battery: 5A nominal. Cold with fully charged battery <2A.

External Power  DC Input and battery Charge Input.   2.5 mm coaxial connector with locking screw on collar.

Temperature

• Operation Range:  –10°C to 40°C.

• Relative Humidity:  <90% at 35°C, non-condensing.

Instrument Enclosure  is sealed against ingress of dust and water. All perforations are sealed by rubber plugs (connectors, memory cards, etc.).

External Connectivity to System

• 1 SD (Secure Digital) card slot (3.3 V).

• 1 CF type II compact flash slot.

• 1 USB connection for "ActiveSync" capability or MCA operation with external computer (ActiveSync and remote display software included).

• WiFi 802.11 communication software optional.

• 1 Audio headphone jack.

Cool Down Time  The high reliability cooler is designed for continuous operation. Between making measurements the unit is powered from a DC supply, car battery or other high capacity device. Initial cool down time depends on ambient temperature, but is typically <12 hours at 25°C.

Communication Software  The Micro-Detective is a member of the ORTEC CONNECTIONS family. Remote MCA control and individual spectrum download, even over a network, is achieved simply, by the use of ORTEC CONNECTIONS products such as MAESTRO-32 MCA Emulation software.

Multiple spectra may be block-transferred from the instrument controller to external PCs by the use of Microsoft ActiveSync. Third party products such SOTI “Pocket Controller Enterprise” may be used to implement the 802.11 wireless feature to provide remote wireless control of the complete Micro-Detective.

ORDERING INFORMATION