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Alpha Suite Alpha Spectrometers

All Alpha Suite models feature the following:

  • A complete instrument requiring vacuum, power and connection to a PC only
  • Simple, high speed USB connection to computer
  • Internal advanced Digital MCA
  • Digital Spectrum Stabilizer
  • Computer controlled preamplifier, HV supply, and calibration pulser
  • High quality nickel-plated brass vacuum chamber, easily decontaminated
  • Optional Alpha Recoil protection system available
  • Compatible with all previous ORTEC alpha spectrometer systems
  • MAESTRO MCA Emulation software

Alpha Duo
Compact, all-in-one, bench-top, dual channel alpha spectrometer		 Alpha Mega
Compact, all-in-one, bench-top, large chamber, single channel alpha spectrometer


Alpha Ensemble
Modular, all-in-one, bench-top or rack-mount, Multi-chamber alpha spectrometer		 Alpha Aria
All in one single channel alpha spectrometer

  • Literature +

  • More Information +


    All Alpha Suite models feature the following:
    • A complete instrument requiring vacuum, power and connection to a PC only.
    • Simple, high speed USB connection to computer.
    • Internal advanced DIGITAL MCA.
    • Digital Spectrum Stabilizer.
    • Computer controlled preamplifier, HV supply, and calibration pulser.
    • High Quality Nickel-plated Brass Vacuum chamber, easily decontaminated
    • Optional Alpha Recoil protection system available.
    • Compatible with all previous ORTEC Alpha Spectrometer Systems.
    • MAESTRO® MCA Emulation Software.

    With the Alpha Suite range of integrated Alpha Spectrometers, ORTEC is able to address the needs of ANY counting laboratory, large or small, upgrading or just starting out. The latest advanced digital design, together with a modular mechanical approach, aligns value and performance with unparalleled configuration flexibility. Any of these spectrometers may be added to existing ORTEC systems simply by installing the latest drivers included with the instrument. 

    Alpha Aria
    A single alpha spectroscopy channel in a 2-wide NIM chassis. The digital MCA is built right in, so a USB connection is all that is needed to start counting. A simple to operate PUMP/HOLD/VENT control is mounted on the front panel. The Alpha Aria is easy to add to existing NIM installations.

    Alpha Duo
    Benchtop dual alpha spectrometer with two alpha spectroscopy channels. Each unit includes 100% fully computer controlled vacuum measurement, variable detector bias supply (switchable positive or negative), preamplifier, test pulse generator with variable amplitude, and a leakage current monitor. The Alpha Duo has dedicated independent MCAs to optimize processing time.

    Alpha Mega
    Benchtop single alpha spectrometer with sample chamber designed for filters up to 4.18 inches (106 mm) in diameter. Based upon the Alpha Duo, but capable of sampling much larger samples and using large diameter detectors, it has all the same quality features and is fully computer controlled. The Alpha Mega is available in benchtop form, or as an option in our Alpha Ensemble chassis.

    Alpha Ensemble
    Modular alpha spectroscopy system which may be configured with up to 4 modules in any combination of ALPHA-DUO-M1 and/or ALPHA-MEGA-M1 expansion modules. Each alpha spectroscopy module includes a vacuum gauge, variable detector bias supply (switchable positive or negative), preamplifier, test pulse generator with variable amplitude, self-controlled RCAP, and a leakage current monitor.

    Each expansion module has a separate vacuum control within an Alpha Ensemble configuration. The Alpha Ensemble may be either rack mounted or left in the table-top mounting enclosure in which it is supplied. In the Alpha Ensemble configuration, an internal USB hub provides connection via a single cable to the user’s PC. Each detection system has individual digital offset and conversion gain settings for maximum flexibility.

  • Specifications +


    Vacuum Chamber
    Construction
    		 Cast brass, nickel-plated for ease of decontamination.
    Maximum Sample Size Aria and Duo: 51 mm (2.030 in.)  Mega: 106 mm (4.18 in.)
    Maximum Sample to Detector Spacing 44 mm, in increments of 4 mm.
    Maximum Detector Size Aria and Duo: 1200 mm2.  Mega: 3000 mm2. (Consult Factory)
    Detector Connector Type Rear Microdot (ORTEC B mount).
    Vacuum Manifold Connector Aria, Duo, and Mega: 0.25” Swagelok tube fitting.  Ensemble: NW25.
    Vacuum Pump Requirements Rotary vacuum pump, 6.7 CFM (190 L/min) displacement, with oil mist trap. The ORTEC ALPHA-PPS-115 (or -230) is available for this application.

    System Performance
    Based on use with a BU-017-450-100 ULTRA™ Series detector with a good-quality 241Am point source.
    Energy Resolution
    		 ≤20 keV (FWHM) with a detector-to-source spacing equal to the detector diameter.
    Detector Efficiency ≥25% is achievable with close detector-to-source spacing.
    Background Above 3 MeV, ≤1 count/hour based on a BU-020-450-AS detector.

    Electronics
    Bias Supply
    Range
    		 0 ±100 V, 10 µA; voltage can be read by the computer.
    Bias Computer controlled, adjustable in 1 V increments.
    Pos/Neg Polarity can be selected independently with PWB slide switches (factory set for positive bias voltage).
    Enable/Disable By computer control.
    Indicator Front-panel, red LED for each channel shows if the bias is on.
    Calibration Pulser
    Range
    		 0 to 10 MeV.
    Pulser Computer controls the internal pulser amplitude with 12 bit (2.5 keV) level settings; set to a nominal 7-MeV pulse when shipped.
    Frequency 100 Hz.
    Frequency Stability ≤±50 ppm/°C.
    Amplitude Drift ≤±150 ppm/°C.
    Long Term Drift ≤±0.005% of full scale/24 hours at constant temperature.
    On/Off Computer controlled.
    Indicator Front-panel, BIAS red LED flashes when pulser is on.
    Detector Current Monitor
    Range
    		 0 to 10,000 nA; read by computer.
    Display Resolution 3 nA.
    Preamplifier
    Charge Sensitive
    		 Nominally 10 mV/MeV.
    Pos/Neg Polarity can be selected independently with PWB slide switches.
    Digital MCA
    Digital Filter
    		 1 µs unipolar equivalent.
    Conversion Gain Software-selectable as 256, 512, 1024, 2048, or 4096, independent for each segment.
    Fine Gain Software-selectable range from 0.25 to 1.
    Digital Offset Software-selectable range from 0 to conversion gain setting (4096 max) in 1 channel increments.
    Display Channels Software-selectable range from 0 to (conversion gain – digital offset).
    Digital Spectrum Stabilizer Controlled via computer.
    Dead Time Correction Extended live-time correction according to the Gedcke-Hale method.
    Software Controls
    ADC LLD
    		 Computer controlled from 0 to 100% full scale.
    ADC ULD Computer controlled from 0 to 100% full scale.
    Indicators (front panel)
    ADC Busy
    		 Red LED flashes once for each digitized pulse.
    Presets
    Real Time/Live Time
    		 Multiples of 20 ms.
    Region of Interest Peak count/Integral count.
    Data Overflow Terminates acquisition when any channel exceeds 231–1.
    Interface Connectors
    High Speed USB
    		 Rear panel standard “B” type USB connector.

    Computer Prerequisites
    Any computer Windows 7 or Windows 10, 32- or 64-bit compatible.

    Alpha Aria
    A single alpha spectroscopy channel in a NIM chassis. Each unit includes a variable detector bias supply (switchable positive or negative), a preamplifier, and a test pulse generator with variable amplitude.
    Vacuum Control 3-position Pump/Vent/Hold valve, front-panel mounted.
    Recoil Protection (RCAP) Option No built-in pressure controller. Requires RCAP-2-120V or RCAP-2-240V.
    Electrical and Mechanical
    Dimensions 2.7 in. W x 11.9 in. D x 8.7 in. H in a double-wide NIM chassis.
    Weight Net 1.9 kg (4.2 lb).  Shipping 2.3 kg (7.3 lb).
    Power Input NIM power. +6 V @ 315 mA, +12 V @ 50 mA, –12 V @ 75 mA, +24 V @ 50 mA.
    Power Consumption 5 W input power.
    Operating Environment 0° to 50°C. Up to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing.
     
    Alpha Duo
    Benchtop dual alpha spectrometer with two alpha spectroscopy channels. Each unit includes a vacuum gauge, variable detector bias supply (switchable positive or negative), preamplifier, test pulse generator with variable amplitude, and a leakage current monitor.
    Vacuum Control Via computer for each Alpha Duo module.
    Vacuum Gauge Range 200 mTorr to 20 Torr, read by computer.
    Recoil Protection (RCAP) Option Built-in pressure controller, requires addition of optional biased sample holders only.
    RCAP Controller Range 1 Torr to 13 Torr, read by computer. Regulation Target Pressure ±10%.
    Electrical and Mechanical
    Dimensions 10.1 in. W x 14.4 in. D x 6.0 in. H enclosure.
    Weight Net 7.5 kg (16.5 lb).   Shipping 11.5 kg (25.0 lb).
    Power Input 120/240 V ac, 50/60 Hz.
    Power Consumption 10 W input power.
    Operating Environment 0° to 50°C. Up to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing.

    Alpha Mega
    Benchtop single large alpha spectrometer. Includes a vacuum gauge, variable detector bias supply (switchable positive or negative), preamplifier, test pulse generator with variable amplitude, and a leakage current monitor.
    Vacuum Control Via computer.
    Vacuum Gauge Range 200 mTorr to 20 Torr, read by computer.
    Recoil Protection (RCAP) Option No built-in pressure controller. Requires RCAP-2-120V or RCAP-2-240V.
    Electrical and Mechanical
    Dimensions 10.1 in. W x 14.4 in. D x 6.0 in. H enclosure.
    Weight Net 8.5 kg (18.7 lb).  Shipping 11.5 kg (25.0 lb).
    Power Input 120/240 V ac, 50/60 Hz.
    Power Consumption 10 W input power.
    Operating Environment 0° to 50°C. Up to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing.

    Alpha Ensemble
    Modular alpha spectroscopy system which may be configured with up to 4 modules in any combination of ALPHA-DUO-M1 and/or ALPHA-MEGA-M1 expansion modules. Each alpha spectroscopy module includes a vacuum gauge, variable detector bias supply (switchable positive or negative), preamplifier, test pulse generator with variable amplitude, self-controlled RCAP, and a leakage current monitor. Each expansion module has a separate vacuum control within an Alpha Ensemble configuration.

    The Alpha Ensemble may be either rack mounted or left in the table-top mounting enclosure in which it is supplied.

    Each instrument is supplied with a full set of blank panels as needed to cover unoccupied expansion space.
    Vacuum Control Via computer for each module installed.
    Vacuum Gauge Range 200 mTorr to 20 Torr, read by computer.
    Recoil Protection (RCAP) Option Built-in pressure controller. Requires addition of optional biased sample holders. For use with ALPHA-DUO-M1 module only.
    RCAP Controller Range 1 Torr to 13 Torr, read by computer. Regulation Target Pressure ±10%.
    Electrical and Mechanical
    Dimensions 19.0 in. W x 19.4 in. D x 10.7 in. H enclosure
    Weight Net (with 4 expansion modules):  26.6 kg (58.4 lb).  Shipping (with 4 expansion modules):  29.5 kg (65.0 lb)
    Power Input 120/240 V ac, 50/60 Hz.
    Power Consumption 50 W input power.
    Operating Environment 0° to 50°C. Up to 95% relative humidity, non-condensing.

  • Ordering Information +


    Step 1: Choose one or more Alpha Spectrometers
    Model Description
    ALPHA-ARIA Single input NIM spectrometer. Includes one ENS-ST-1, USB Cable and MAESTRO software.
    ALPHA-DUO Dual input benchtop spectrometer. Includes two each ENS-ST-1, one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, USB Cable and MAESTRO software.
    ALPHA-MEGA Single input benchtop spectrometer for up to 4” samples. Includes one each MEGA-ST, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-2 2 input benchtop spectrometer (one ALPHA-DUO-M1 module). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, USB Cable and MAESTRO software
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-4 4 input benchtop spectrometer (two ALPHA-DUO-M1 modules). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, USB Cable and MAESTRO software.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-6 6 input benchtop spectrometer (three ALPHA-DUO-M1 modules). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, USB Cable and MAESTRO software.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-8 8 input benchtop spectrometer, (four ALPHA-DUO-M1 modules). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, USB Cable and MAESTRO software.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-1M Single input benchtop spectrometer (one ALPHA-MEGA-M1 module). Includes one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-2M 2 input benchtop spectrometer (two ALPHA-MEGA-M1 modules). Includes one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-3M 3 input benchtop spectrometer (three ALPHA-MEGA-M1 modules). Includes one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-4M 4 input benchtop spectrometer (four ALPHA-MEGA-M1 modules). Includes one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-1D-1M 3 input benchtop spectrometer (one ALPHA-DUO-M1 module and one ALPHA-MEGA-M1 module). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-1D-2M 4 input benchtop spectrometer (one ALPHA-DUO-M1 module and two ALPHA-MEGA-M1 modules). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-1D-3M 5 input benchtop spectrometer (one ALPHA-DUO-M1 module and three ALPHA-MEGA-M1 modules). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-2D-1M 5 input benchtop spectrometer (two ALPHA-DUO-M1 modules and one ALPHA-MEGA-M1 module). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-2D-2M 6 input benchtop spectrometer (two ALPHA-DUO-M1 modules and two ALPHA-MEGA-M1 modules). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.
    ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-3D-1M 7 input benchtop spectrometer (three ALPHA-DUO-M1 modules and one ALPHA-MEGA-M1 module). Includes one each ENS-ST-KK, one each ENS-CG, one each MEGA-CG, MAESTRO Software and USB cable.

    Step 2: For each spectrometer chosen, specify type and quantity of detectors from the following list:

    Note: Compatible Spare Detector models that are not installed and system tested include the ULTRA-AS and Low-Background R Series with B-Mount and ENS8 (8-pack) models. Factory verification is required for all other detector models.
    Model Description
    ENS-U300 300 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested.
    ENS-U450 450 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-U490 490 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested.
    ENS-U600 600 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-U900 900 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-U1200 1200 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-U2000 2000 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-U3000 3000 mm2 low-background ULTRA-AS detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-R300 300 mm2 low-background Ruggedized detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-R450 450 mm2 low-background Ruggedized detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-R600 600 mm2 low-background Ruggedized detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested. 
    ENS-R900 900 mm2 low-background Ruggedized detector for Alpha Suite spectrometer, installed and system tested.
    ENS8 (8-Pack) ULTRA-AS detectors can only be ordered in conjunction with an ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-8 system including 8 each ENS- model detectors at full price. Customer may then order one set of ENS8 model spare detectors per ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-8 system including 8 each ENS- detectors at full price ordered. Spare detectors ordered must be the same size as or smaller than the 8 each ENS- model detectors ordered at full price with the ALPHA-ENSEMBLE-8 system.
    ENS8U300 8-Pack of 300 mm² ULTRA-AS Detectors.
    ENS8U450 8-Pack of 450 mm² ULTRA-AS Detectors.
    ENS8U490 8-Pack of 490 mm² ULTRA-AS Detectors.
    ENS8U600 8-Pack of 600 mm² ULTRA-AS Detectors.
    ENS8U900 8-Pack of 900 mm² ULTRA-AS Detectors.
    ENS8U1200 8-Pack of 1200 mm² ULTRA-AS Detectors.

    Step 3: Specify Options and Accessories if needed.
    Model Description
    ALPHA-PPS-115 Portable Pump Station, 115 V.
    ALPHA-PPS-230 Portable Pump Station, 230 V.
    ENS-ST-1 Sample Tray for Aria and Duo. Fits 3/4 and 1 inch samples.
    ENS-ST-2 Sample Tray for Aria and Duo. Fits 1/2 and 7/8 inch samples.
    ENS-ST-3 Sample Tray for Aria and Duo. Fits 1.25 and 1.5 inch samples.
    ENS-ST-4 Sample Tray for Aria and Duo. Fits 1.75 and 2 inch samples.
    ENS-ST-KK Set of Sample Trays for Aria and Duo. One each of all four (1/2 through 2 inch).
    ENS-CG Chamber Door O-Rings for Aria and Duo. Package of 10.
    ENS-RACKMOUNT Installed 19” Rackmount, must be ordered with ALPHA-ENSEMBLE.
    ENS-RM-KIT 19” Rackmount Kit for ALPHA-ENSEMBLE, not installed.
    MEGA-CG Chamber Door O-Rings for Mega. Package of 5.
    MEGA-ST Sample Tray for Mega. Fits sample sizes up to 4.18 inches (106 mm). Includes Spring Loaded Filter Retainer.
    RCAP-ST Biased Sample tray assembly for recoil protection use. Fits Aria and Duo. (One per chamber required.) 
    Expansion Modules for Alpha Ensemble
    ALPHA-DUO-M1 Dual input Alpha Ensemble expansion spectrometer. Includes two each ENS-ST-1.
    ALPHA-MEGA-M1 Single input Alpha Ensemble expansion spectrometer for samples up to 4.18 inches (106 mm). Includes one each MEGA-ST.