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GAMMA-X® HPGe
(High-Purity Germanium)
Coaxial Photon Detector System
Cryogenic Information
Dewar Capacity __________ Static Holding Time __________ Detector Cool-Down Time ___________
Dimensions
Crystal Diameter
_______________________ mm Absorbing Layers
Crystal Length
_______________________ mm Beryllium _______________ mm
End Cap to Crystal
_______________________ mm Aluminum ______________ mm
Total Active Volume
_______________________ cc Inactive Germanium _______ mm
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.1. High Voltage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2. Liquid Nitrogen Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.3. Beryllium Windows and Internal Cryostat Pressure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
APPENDIX A. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
1
NOTICE
Before opening crate, inspect carefully for shipping damage. If
damage is evident, see Section 1.3.
2
If the detector and cryostat arrive in separate 2. Insert the funnel into the neck of the dewar and
containers, refer to the "PopTop Transplantable lock the funnel in place using the plastic bar which
Photon Detector Instruction Manual" for the has mating threads for the dewar neck.
necessary directions for assembling the detector-
3. Pour liquid nitrogen into the dewar. Caution:
cryostat system. After the detector and cryostat are
When the dewar is full, liquid nitrogen will pour
connected, the detector can be cooled.
out of the fill tube.
Filling the dewar of a detector system with liquid
nitrogen may be accomplished easily and safely. 4. When the dewar is first filled, the boil off of liquid
However, proper procedures must be followed to nitrogen will be excessive until the detector element
avoid personal injury or detector system damage. is completely cooled. For this reason, the dewar will
Please read Section 3.2 on liquid nitrogen safety as need to have additional liquid nitrogen added shortly
well as the following filling instructions. after initial filling. (For PG 1.2, PG 0.4, and PSHP 0.7
dewars, liquid nitrogen will need to be added after
In all cases, it is necessary to prevent the electronics approximately 30 minutes. Larger dewars can wait a
and the outside of the cryostat from getting maximum of 2 hours before their liquid nitrogen
excessively cold. Avoid spilling liquid nitrogen on the supplies will need replenishing.)
cryostat or electronics, and vent cold gas away from
5. Remove the fill funnel and attach the cap to the
the system being filled. A detector may also be
damaged by filling it with liquid nitrogen while it is dewar. Caution: The cap has a pre ssure relief
enclosed in thermally insulating materials (such as valve built into it. This valve allows the
packing materials). NEVER FILL A DETECTOR expanding gas to escape from the dewar as
BEFORE REMOVING IT FROM ANY INSULATING liquid nitrogen vaporizes. Care should be taken
PACKING MATERIALS, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS to avoid exposure to the escaping gases since
PACKED IN FOAM. Even if a cold system is later they are at near cryogenic temperatures.
packed in insulating materials, damage is likely to
occur. A COLD DETECTOR MUST NOT BE 2.3. Dipstick Cryostat Models
ENCLOSED IN THERMALLY INSULATING
MATERIALS AT ANY TIME. Following thes e Before inserting a dipstick cryostat detector into a
precautions will prevent damage to vacuum seals or dewar, a white RTV silicone rubber collar, which is
to system electronics which could occur from included with the detector, should be placed onto the
excessive chilling. dewar. The procedure for assembling the detector-
dewar combination is outlined below.
2.1. Bucket Dewars 1. Using Figure 2.1, verify that all components and
hardware are in their proper place.
Systems with bucket dewars are filled by simply
removing the dewar fill cap and pouring in liquid 2. Distance "d" in Figure 2.1 should be minimized but
nitrogen from the top. Care must be taken not to spill >3/4 inch.
liquid nitrogen on the cryostat. If liquid nitrogen 3. Insert the cooling rod of the cryostat into the
contacts a flange which contains a vacuum seal, it is dewar.
possible that the seal may be breached. To prevent
this, it is strongly recommended that such systems CAUTION
be filled by carefully pouring in the liquid nitrogen Liquid nitrogen will be forced out of the fill tubes
through a large metal funnel. if the dewar is full.
2.2. PG and PSHP Dewar-Cryostat Models 4. Align the screw holes and ensure that the stand off
sleeves (3) have been inserted into the RTV collar.
For detectors mounted on a PG-type dewar, a
special fill funnel is included with each dewar. This 5. Insert and tighten the three socket screws.
funnel is used to fill the dewar with liquid nitrogen
using the following procedure. 6. Ensure that the cryostat is level on horizontal
cryostat configurations and tighten the three 5/64-
1. Remove the cap from the end of the dewar. inch drive Allen set screws on the locking collar.
3
The dipstick and white RTV silicone rubber collar supply hose is made by a short length of plastic
form a gas-tight seal. The silicone collar contains tube.
two stainless steel tubes which are us ed for filling
and gas exhaus t. These tubes extend about 6 One common filling method uses a standard 30-liter
inches down into the dewar nec k . In filling, liquid dewar of liquid nitrogen as a supply dewar (Fig. 2.2).
nitrogen enters through either tube, and the other A gas-tight fixture, which holds a metal outlet tube
exhaust tube will prevent the liquid level from rising and a gas inlet for pressurization, is attached to the
within 6 inches of the dewar flange, if there are no supply dewar flange. The metal outlet tube is
leaks at the collar. This keeps the vacuum seal at connec ted to a short length of plastic tubing which
the dewar flange from getting too cold. IT IS serves as the supply hose. This tube carries liquid
IMPORTANT NOT TO DAMAGE THE SILICONE nitrogen out from the dewar bottom. Transfer is
RUBBER COLLAR. Do not use ex c essive force to effected by pressurizing the dewar at 3 to 5 psi with
attach or remove a hose from the fill tubes. dry nitrogen gas. The supply de war or the gas
Prepare for filling the dewar by connecting the supply inlet tube must have a pressure relief valve set at
hose and an exhaust hose to the fill tubes in the 5 psi (see Safety Precautions in Section 3).
silicone rubber collar. The exhaust hose is a 6-foot Terminate the liquid nitrogen transfer by relieving the
length of plas tic tubing which carries cold gas and pressure in the supply dewar. This transfer requires
liquid overflow away from the cryostat and only a few minutes, and it should be monitored
electronics. The connection to your liquid nitrogen
4
1. Automatic High Voltage Shutoff 2. Model 729A Liquid Nitrogen Level Monitor
Most detector cryostats built by ORTEC contain a The Model 729A Liquid Nitrogen Level Monitor is
temperature sensing element attached to the cooling designed only for large dewars (> 7.5 liter). It
path. The sensing element connects to a hybrid provides an acoustical alarm which is activated when
monitoring circuit which is incorporated into the the liquid nitrogen level descends below a set
preamplifier electronics. An output cable from the threshold in the dewar.
preamplifier is connected to the remote shutdown
5
3. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
3.1. High Voltage For safety reasons, the following precautions should
be followed when working with liquid nitrogen.
Your detector system uses high voltage (up to 5000
A. When using the filling procedures des c ribed in
V) to bias the detector element. The standard
Section 2.3 use only dry nitrogen gas to pressurize
ORTEC bias supplies made for use with photon
the supply dewar. Do not use air or oxygen because
detec tors are capable of delivering only very low
they may contain moisture and oil which could freeze
current. However, the detector system has a high-
and cause blockage of the filling and/or vent tube.
voltage filter containing capacitors capable of
Use a pressure relief of 5 psi on the supply dewar to
delivering a dangerously high current for a brief time
avoid over-pressurization in the event of ice
while being discharged (even if the bias supply has
blockage.
been disconnected). Such a discharge is possible at
the interface between the high-voltage filter and the
B. Personnel should avoid wearing anything capable
cryostat feedthrough or within the filter module box
of trapping or holding spilled liquid nitrogen close to
(on non-streamline cryostat systems). These points
their flesh. An impervious apron or coat, cuffless
are not accessible unless the closed electronics
trousers, and high-topped shoes are recommended.
shield or module box is opened. Danger should be
Wear safety glasses or, better yet, full-face
avoided by never opening the electronics shield or
protection. Remove all watches, rings, bracelets, or
module boxes except when following the explicit
other jewelry. When gloves are used to handle
instructions of an authoriz ed representative of
containers or cold metal parts, they should be
ORTEC.
impervious and sufficiently large to be easily tossed
off the hand in case of a spill.
3.2. Liquid Nitrogen Safety
C. Piping or transfer lines should always be
Users of cooled detectors should be aware of the constructed so as to avoid trapping liquid nitrogen in
hazards associated with the cryogenic fluid being the line. Evaporation can result in pressure build-up
used. Four hazards in using liquid nitrogen are high and eventual explosion of the line. If it is not possible
pressure gas, c ontact with materials, contact with to empty all lines, install safety relief valves and
personnel, and inadequate ventilation. The large rupture discs.
expansion ratio from liquid to gas (692 to 1) can
D. Vent storage containers to a well ventilated area
produce high pressures due to the evaporation of the
or to the outside to avoid build-up of nitrogen gas in
liquid, if the container does not have adequate
the work area.
venting or pressure relief provisions . Some
materials become brittle and fracture when exposed
to liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K). For advice 3.3. Beryllium Windows and Internal
when selecting materials for use in storing and Cryostat Pressure
transferring liquid nitrogen, contact ORTEC or your
liquid nitrogen supplier. If the detector cryostat is equipped with a beryllium
window, an accidental rupture of the window will
Other sources of information are safety manuals severely damage the system. Thin beryllium
such as the "CRC Handbook of Laboratory Safety," windows, such as those found on GLP, SLP and LO-
The Chemical Rubber Company, Cleveland, Ohio; AX Series systems, are especially fragile and can
and material codes such as the American Society of sometimes be ruptured by a light touch. The thicker
Mechanical Engineer's "Boiler and Pressure Vessel bery llium windows found on GMX Series detectors
Code, Section VIII." In addition to possible exposure to are somewhat tougher, but still relatively fragile. You
high press ure gas, another personnel hazard is should avoid trouble by never allowing anything to
burns similar to burns from high temperature touch a beryllium window.
contact. Eyes are especially vulnerable to this type of
exposure. It should be remembered, that although If a beryllium window should rupture under normal
nitrogen gas is nontoxic, it is capable of c ausing circumstances, it will implode and personnel will
asphyxiation by displacing air. TRANSFER LN2 normally not be exposed to flying fragments and
ONLY IN A WELL-VENTILATED AREA. possible injury. Avoid injury by not handling any
fragments of beryllium with bare hands (tweezers
Liquid nitrogen is safely used everyday in factories are recommended).
such as ORTEC and laboratories all over the world.
6
A more dangerous situation might result if the
bery llium window were to rupture outward because based principally on animal tests. In the event
of a build up in cryostat pressure. This can happen that the detector window should implode, cover
if the cryostat develops a leak while cold and then the dete ctor window with the protective cover
warms up after the molecular sieve has absorbed a which came with it. Tape the cover down so that
large quantity of gas. If a cold cryostat shows none of the beryllium pieces can fall out. Contact
evidence of poor vac uum, be sure that the original our ORTEC Global Service Center or, if outside
plastic cover is placed over the beryllium window. the U.S.A., your local ORTEC representative, for
(Symptoms of a poor vacuum include an unusually shipping instructions to return the detector for
cold cryostat or endcap, moisture condensation or repair.
"sweating," or an outward bulge to the end window
In the event that some beryllium pieces fall out
on warm-up [extreme case].) If the window cover
of the detector, care should be taken to avoid
has a hole in it, cover this hole with tape. Disconnect
breathing any dust or powder which may form.
the system from external electronics. Do not warm
Pick up pieces wearing protective gloves in such
up such a cryostat or take additional action
a manner as to not generate any dust. Dispose of
except on instruction from ORTEC. Immediately
the pieces a ccording to local or national
contact our ORTEC Global Service Center or, if
regulation.
outside the U.S.A., your local ORTEC
representative. Every cryostat made by ORTEC has a pressure
safety valve which should prevent beryllium windows
CAUTION from rupturing outward. However, it is remotely
possible that this safeguard could fail. Therefore, you
The inhalation of beryllium dust can lead to a should be aware of this poss ibility and act with
chronic lung disorder called berylliosis. appropriate caution.
Beryllium has also been listed as a carcinogen,
4.1. Assembling an Energy Spectroscopy or the equivalent, with SHV connectors. The captive
System power cable from the preamplifier is attached to the
preamp power connector on the main amplifier. The
After the dewar has been filled, allow time to assure remaining connections within the spectroscopy
complete cooling of the detector element. (See s y s tem are made using RG-62A/U, or equivalent,
Quality Assurance Data Sheet for the minimum cool with BNC connectors. In addition, connec t the
down time. If possible, overnight cool down is attenuated output from the precision pulse generator
better.) The detector is then connected as part of a to the test input of the preamplifier, and connect the
complete energy spectroscopy system (Fig. 4.1). preamplifier output to a main amplifier input.
Included are the detector with its attached
preamplifier and high-voltage filter, a main amplifier, The unipolar output of the main amplifier should be
a count-rate meter, a pulse height analyzer, a connected to both the oscilloscope and the pulse
precision pulse generator, a detector bias supply , height analyzer or biased amplifier (if used). A BNC
and an oscillos c ope. The preamplifier and the high Tee may be needed or separate amplifier outputs
voltage filter are an integral part of the detector. See may be used.
Appendix A for their specifications. The s y stem should be dc-coupled all the way from
Connections between the preamplifier and the the preamplifier through the pulse height analyzer, if
detector and between the high-voltage filter and the any of the modules have optional connectors or
detector are made through the cryostat vacuum switches to select the type of coupling, be sure that
feedthroughs within the electronics shield. Detector dc-coupling is used. Also be sure that the power to
bias (operating voltage) is furnished from the all equipment, including the oscilloscope, is
detector bias supply and must be cabled to the furnished from the same ac-power source to help
detector's high-voltage filter. Use RG-59A/U cable, prevent ground loops.
7
1 to 2 cm and observe the system noise. minimum. With the prescribed gain, the final
baseline width should be about 10 to 20 mV. It is
A 60- or 120-Hz sine wave with superimposed
normal for the noise to completely disappear for
noise indicates a major ground loop. This should
several seconds following changes in bias voltage.
be found and eliminated. If there is any ripple at
During the step-wise voltage increases, if the noise
these frequencies, it should be very small in
disappears and does not reappear within 15
comparison to the amplitude of the white noise. A
seconds, reduce the bias immediately, 100 V at a
complete inspec tion for smaller spurious
time, until the noise reappears. The detector may
oscillations may be made after the detector is
be tested for resolution at this reduced bias level.
under bias. Occasionally, the system may appear
However, a detector problem is indicated unless
"dead" when no bias has been applied. If the
your high-voltage power supply is significantly
application of a small amount of bias (~30 V)
uncalibrated or the detector has not been allowed to
results in appearance of the white noise, there is
cool completely.
no problem.
Apply about 200 V of negative bias to the detector. When the bias voltage has been raised to that
The noise amplitude should decrease because the level specified in the Quality Assurance Data
detector capacitance decreases as the depletion Sheet, the noise amplitude may have increas ed
of charge carriers begins. Application of the wrong slightly above the minimum level noted above, but
bias polarity can cause the noise amplitude to the increase should never ex c eed 10%. At this
either increase greatly or drop completely to zero level of noise, any spurious oscillations or baseline
and remain there. This might also occur if the disturbances due to ground loops , pickup, or
detector has been damaged in shipment. mic rophonics should be clearly visible. Eliminate
such problems before the detector system
If the detector bias polarity is correc t and the
performance is evaluated. Before attempting to
reaction is normal, increase the detector bias
make definite performance measurements, allow
gradually in steps of about 200 V while observing
the detector system to stabilize, with bias applied,
the oscilloscope. The noise amplitude should
for at least 60 minutes.
normally continue to decrease down to a
to the nearest 0.01 channel. For detailed measurements were made at the same shaping time
instructions, see "Determining FWHM Expressed in constant. (Refer to Section 6.3 for troubleshooting
Channels," which follows. Multiply the FWHM in guidelines.)
channels by the energy slope calibration in
keV/channel to find the system FWHM resolution in
keV. Compare this measured resolution with the Determining FWHM Expressed in Channels
Quality Assurance Data Sheet at the front of this
These instructions assume the use of a
manual. If there is a significant discrepancy, first be
spectroscopy system similar to that shown in Fig.
sure that the measurements were made at the same
4.1. FWHM can be determined using the same
shaping time constant. (Refer to Section 6.3 for
principles with even simpler instrumentation (e.g.,
troubleshooting guidelines.)
discriminators or single-channel analyzers rather
than a pulse height analyzer). The determination
5.9 keV, 55Fe
takes more time, but with good instrumentation the
For GAMMA-X detectors with bery llium windows,
results are accurate.
one of the warranted specifications is the resolution
of the 5.9 keV line of 55 Fe (Mn X-ray). Since the 1. Accumulate sufficient data and halt the analyzer.
resolution of a coaxial detector is not adequate to 2. If necessary1, determine the background
completely resolve the 5.9 keV line from the 6.5 keV
continuum under the peak of interest so that the
line, the peak shape (FW.1M/FWHM and number of bac k ground counts in each channel is
FW.05M/FWHM) are not very meaningful. However, known. Obtain the net number of c ounts in each
the FWHM of the 5.9 line can be used as a measure channel to be used by subtracting the background
of the detector's resolution in this low energy range. counts from the total counts in that channel. All
Since the 55Fe source does not have two clearly
subsequent steps assume that the background has
resolved peak s which can be used for calibration been subtracted.
purposes, the following sequence is us ed at the
ORTEC test laboratory. The use of a pulser can also 3. Locate the peak channel which is the channel
be employed for calibration if the needed radioactive containing the maximum number of net counts of
sources are not available. any channel in the peak of interest.
Place a 57Co source close enough to the detec tor 4. Find the half maximum number of counts which is
window to give a count rate of approximately 1000 one-half of the net number of counts in the peak
cps. Adjust the main amplifier until the 122 keV line channel.
gives a 4-volt peak on an oscilloscope. Collect
approximately 1000 counts in the main peak of the 5. On the lower energy side of the peak, find the two
57
Co 122 keV line. Replace the 57Co source with an adjacent channels with net numbers of counts which
241
Am source. Collect approximately 1000 counts in bracket the half maximum number.
the main peak of the 60 keV line of 241Am. Calculate 6. Perform a linear interpolation, to 0.01 channel, to
the energy slope (eV/channel) using the 59.537 keV find the channel number which represents the half
line of 241Am and the 122.060 keV line of 57Co. The maximum number of counts. Record this number.
two peaks should be separated by approximately
1200 channels. Clear the pulse height analyzer. 7. Determine the channel number representing the
Place an 55Fe source close enough to the face of the half maximum number of counts on the higher
detector to give approximately 1000 counts per energy side of the peak using the methods of steps
s econd. Collect 10,000 counts in the main peak of 5 and 6. Record this number.
the 5.9 keV line. For the suggested gain of the main 8. Subtract the channel number found in step 6 from
amplifier, the FWHM of the 55Fe peak should be that found in s tep 5. The result is the FWHM
between 10 and 30 channels. (However, the IEEE- expressed in channels.
recommended conditions of 6 channels FWHM and
50,000 total counts within the peak half max would 5.2. Peak Width Ratios
be adequate.)
Calculate the peak half max in channels and, using
the energy slope calculated above, calculate the
FWHM energy resolution in eV. Compare this 1 If a source is used which produces only a few lines, the
measured resolution with the Quality Assurance background level under a higher energy peak is often small
Data Sheet at the front of this manual. If there is a enough that it may be neglected. However, if the background
level is more than 1% of the peak height, background must be
significant discrepancy, first be sure that the subtracted when determining the FWHM.
13
In addition to determining the FWHM of a s pec tra
radiation source will remain valid. Remove the
peak, its width may also be measured at other
radiation source and turn on the puls e generator.
specific heights. The full width at tenth maximum
Adjust the pulse generator output to produce a peak
(FWTM) and full width at fiftieth maximum (FWFM)
within the spectral region of the pulse height
are frequently measured. From these values, the
analyzer. For a definitive measurement, acquire a
tenth-to-half ratio (FWTM/FWHM) and the fiftieth-to-
spectrum until the peak channel contains at leas t
half ratio (FWFM/FWHM) are calculated. These
4000 counts. Measure the pulse generator peak
quantities are good indic ators of the quality of the
FWHM in channels to the nearest 0.01 c hannel.
peak shape. Good peak s hape is especially
Multiply this by the energy slope calibration in eV or
important when computer fitting is used.
keV per channel to obtain the FWHM system noise
The ideal peak shape is a Gaussian curve for which in energy units. A peak width of at least 6 channels
FWTM/FWHM = 1.82 and FW FM/FWHM = 2.38. at the FWHM is required for an accurate
However, for an actual spectral peak reasonable measurement. If the resulting peak is too narrow,
values are FWTM/FWHM <1.9 and FWFM/FWHM increase the system gain, recalibrate the energy
<2.8. At higher energies, peak shape is less slope with a radioactive source, and repeat the
influenc ed by electronic noise, but is sensitive to measurement.
peak asymmetry or tailing caused by charge
collec tion problems (e.g., charge trapping or the 5.4. Peak-to-Compton Ratio
existence of weak field regions).
The measurement of the peak-to-Compton ratio is
To obtain representative values for these peak width
based on the same energy peak (1.33 MeV) used for
ratios, the pole-zero must be properly adjusted and
the 60Co resolution measurement, (Section 5.1). The
the detector must be operated at the correct bias
ratio is the number of net counts in the 1.33-MeV
voltage.
peak channel divided by the average number of net
counts in the channels representing the range from
5.3. Noise 1.040 through 1.096 MeV, which is part of the
Excess noise is often symptomatic of an electronics Compton region associated with the 1.33-MeV peak.
problem in the detector system or in other The range of the pulse height analyzer must be
electronics. Therefore, it is useful to meas ure, and adjusted to include the peak channel and the range
record for future reference, the noise performance of of interest in the Compton plateau. Accumulate the
spectrum until there are several thousand counts in
the detector system as part of the initial check-out
procedure. the peak channel and then calculate the ratio based
on the information in the spectrum.
The spectroscopy system noise can be measured Normally, the calculated peak-to-Compton ratio can
simply by using a pulse generator. If all other be expected to match the quoted specification if the
elements of the spectroscopy system are functioning resolution specification has been met. A loss in the
properly, then essentially all of the measured noise peak-to-Compton ratio that is not accompanied by a
is due to the detector and the preamplifier. System corresponding degradation in the energy resolution
nois e is independent of energy, unlike radiation measurement is probably due to the presence of
source resolution. However, the measured noise some absorbing material in the vicinity of either the
depends strongly upon the shaping time and the detector or the source, or to 40K background from the
method of pulse shaping used in the main amplifier. concrete walls, or to the presence of s ome other
A spectral peak produced from a puls e generator radiation sources. An adjacent absorbing material
input exhibits broadening only as a result of system can increase the Compton background and can thus
noise. Therefore, this technique excludes reduce the peak-to-Compton ratio. Any contribution
broadening effects due to fluctuations in the charge of energy in the range of interest from radiation
generation and collec tion processes within the sources other than the 60Co will add to the count
detector element. level in the Compton region. For this measurement,
It is helpful to precede the precision pulse generator be sure that the detector is at least 3 feet away from
other objects and that no other radiation sources are
measurement by one of the radiation source energy
res olution measurements described (Section 5.1). in the vicinity of the detector.
Otherwise, a separate calibration measurement
must be made using a radiation source. Do not 5.5. Relative Efficiency
readjust the gain or any other settings, and the same
The detector system should be set up and adjusted
energy slope calibration determined with the
14
in the s ame way as for 60Co resolution detector at 25.0 cm (known to be 1.2 X 10-3 ) is
measurements. The procedure used by ORTEC for calculated. This ratio, expressed as a percentage, is
efficiency meas urements is defined in IEEE given as the relative efficiency of the detector.
Standard 325-1986, "Standard Test Procedures for
Germanium Gamma-Ray Detectors." This procedure Relative Efficiency =
must be followed exactly to achieve meaningful
results. (peak area)/[(activity)(live time)] X 100
1.2 X 10-3
Place a calibrated 60Co point source (1% accuracy in where
activity) 25.0 cm from the center of the front face of
the endcap on a line perpendicular to the endcap peak area = number of counts in peak,
activity = disintegrations/second,
fac e. The current activity of this source must be
live time = real time minus total
calculated on the basis of the 60Co decay rate. The system dead time in seconds.
absolute efficiency of the germanium detector for
1.33-MeV photons is measured with appropriate When using ORTEC instrumentation, connect the
dead time correc tions. The absolute efficiency is amplifier BUSY OUT to the pulse height analyzer
given by the ratio of the total counts in the 1.33-MeV amplifier Busy input. Pulse height analyzer live time
peak to the total number of source dis integrations will be corrected for amplifier pulse pileup, giving
during the elapsed live time. (Live time = real time - results to sufficient accurac y for most efficiency
dead time, including both amplifier and analyzer determinations. If pulse pileup rejection is used, the
dead time.) It is suggested that at least 10,000 inhibit output must also be connected to the pulse
counts be accumulated in the 1.33-MeV peak. The height analyzer anticoincidence gate.
ratio of the absolute germanium detector efficiency
to the efficiency of a 3 X 3 NaI(Tl) scintillation
6.1. Liquid Nitrogen Maintenance and whether or not it is the week for refilling. A liquid
Warm-Up Protection nitrogen maintenance record form and protec tive
jacket are provided with your detector. Be aware that
Any GAMMA-X Series detector may be cycled frequent moving of the dewar will cause some
between room temperature and liquid nitrogen increase in liquid nitrogen loss rate. Dewars in transit
temperature as needed. However, when the system are likely to have loss rates double those in
is frequently used, it is suggested that a regular laboratories.
filling schedule be followed and unscheduled warm- A regular delivery schedule should be
ups be avoided. This reduces the probability that established with a supplier of liquid nitrogen.
high voltage bias might be accidentally applied to a
Keep the liquid nitrogen supply covered and free
detector which is not fully cold and cause s erious
from contaminants at all times. When gas from
damage. In addition, regular filling will make any
an e x ternal source is used to supply filling
unusual increase in liquid nitrogen consumption
readily apparent. An ex cessive liquid nitrogen loss pressure, only clean dry nitrogen should be
rate indicates a vacuum problem in the cryostat or used. Never use ordinary compressed air which
dewar. contains oxygen and is likely to contain moisture
and oil. Do not use oxygen or other gases which
Protection against accidental detector warm-up may are potentially hazardous. Liquid nitrogen can
be effectively accomplished by either of two methods condense liquid oxygen. If liquid oxygen touches
described in Section 2.6. a combustible material such as oil or rubber, a
When the detec tor s y stem is to be kept cold, a fire or explosion can result.
regular filling schedule is best. Filling once a week is
One of the recommended filling procedures (Section
ideal for systems with a 30-liter dewar even though II) should be followed. If these methods are
the holding time is about 2 weeks under typical
impractical, contact the ORTEC Global Service
laboratory conditions. This frequency will ensure an
Center to discuss possible alternatives.
adequate supply, and there is never any doubt about
15
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
1) Pulse height analyzer Pulse height analyzer not Use an oscilloscope to examine the signal
does not register any receiving pulses. input to the pulse height analyzer. If no
counts. pulses are present, see symptoms 3, 4, 5,
and 6.
Pulse height analyzer
controls improperly set. If pulses are present at the input, see the
pulse height analyzer manual and check
the control settings. Be sure that the
amplifier output has the proper polarity.
You may be misled if the oscilloscope is
accidentally set to "invert."
2) Pulse height analyzer Pulses corresponding to Use an oscilloscope to examine the signal
registers background the spectral peaks have input to the pulse height analyzer. Adjust
counts, but no peaks are voltage heights outside the amplifier gain to achieve pulse heights
visible. range of the pulse height within the input range of the pulse height
analyzer. analyzer. (Make sure that you know this
range, which may change with pulse
height analyzer settings, e.g., digital offset
or conversion gain.)
3) No amplifier output for Amplifier not receiving Check preamplifier output with the
gamma-ray source or pulses. oscilloscope set on 50 mV/cm vertical
pulse generator. gain. If no output, see symptoms 5-6.
4) No amplifier output, but Amplifier faulty or Check amplifier settings and connections.
satisfactory preamplifier maladjusted. Consult the amplifier manual. Replace the
output. amplifier, if necessary.
5) No preamplifier output at Excessive detector Decrease detector bias in steps of 100 V
recommended bias leakage current biasing off until output pulses are obtained. If the
voltage. the preamplifier input detector does not perform properly at a
stage. lower bias, contact the ORTEC Global
Service Center (or your local ORTEC
representative, if outside the U.S.A.).
6) No preamplifier output at Power failure, preamplifier Correct power supply or power cable
any detector bias voltage. failure, blown input FET, or problems. Contact the ORTEC Global
The baseline is virtually short inside cryostat. Service Center (or your local ORTEC
flat. representative, if outside the U.S.A.).
7) Poor gamma-ray Power line noise, RF Eliminate ac power line noise by isolation
resolution. High noise pickup, or ground loop or filtration. Ensure that there is one
(pulser resolution). (especially if able to effective common ground. Eliminate any
Sinusoidal oscillations synchronize to ac line with breaks in the ground path—especially bad
seen on the baseline with oscilloscope trigger). cables or connectors. If operation is in a
oscilloscope. strong RF field, consider extra shielding
(Section 4.4).
18
8) Poor gamma-ray Microphonics (see Section Place the system dewar on a foam pad if
resolution. High noise 4.4). vibrations through the floor are a problem.
(pulser resolution). Slowly Arrange other suitable shock mounting.
damping sinusoidal Try using a shorter time constant (Section
baseline oscillations. 4.4). Contact the ORTEC Global Service
Center (or your local ORTEC
representative, if outside the U.S.A.).
9) Poor gamma-ray Breakdown of filter Contact the ORTEC Global Service Center
resolution and high noise. capacitor or high-voltage (or your local ORTEC representative, if
Many negative spikes. feedthrough. outside the U.S.A.).
10) Poor gamma-ray Breakdown across the Be sure bias voltage is not more than
resolution and high noise. surface of the detector or specified. Reduce detector bias in steps of
A very ragged baseline an insulator. 100 V until baseline returns to normal. If
with one or more of the the system meets all performance
following types of requirements, it may be usable at the
anomalous pulses: lower bias. If not, contact the ORTEC
positive spikes, negative Global Service Center (or your local
spikes, square positive and ORTEC representative, if outside the
negative pulses. U.S.A.).
11) Poor gamma-ray Excess detector leakage Same as for symptom 10.
resolution. No unusual current.
pulses but a wide baseline
and higher noise. Be sure that the specific bias is used.
Insufficient bias voltage. Check high- voltage bias supply for proper
connections and operation. Try another
bias supply. Consult your bias supply
manual.
12) Poor gamma-ray Neutron damage (or If the detector is warmed up, the resolution
resolution at 1.33 MeV or similar radiation damage). will get much worse. DO NOT WARM UP
higher energy. Normal THE DETECTOR. Neutron damage can
noise as measured by be repaired. Contact the ORTEC Global
pulse generator resolution. Service Center (or your local ORTEC
Resolution at 122 keV or representative, if outside the U.S.A.).
lower energy is much less
degraded than higher
energy resolution.
13) Low- or high-energy Incorrect pole-zero See Section 4.3 for instructions.
side tailing and poor cancellation.
resolution.
14) Wandering peaks or Unstable electronics Check each electronic component for
multiple peaks observed. (especially main amplifier). proper operation. Repair or replace faulty
units. Check all cables and connectors
(including panel connectors) for
intermittent signal or ground connections.
19
15) High loss rate of liquid Degradation of cryostat Measure liquid nitrogen loss rate by
nitrogen. Excessively cold vacuum. weighing (LN2 weighs 0.807 kg/liter). For
cryostat with moisture an accurate measurement, the dewar
condensation.* must not be moved from 2 h before the
initial measurement until after the final
measurement. The normal loss rate
depends on cryostat/dewar configuration.
Contact the ORTEC Global Service
Center (or your local ORTEC
representative, if outside the U.S.A.) to
find out if the loss rate is abnormal. For
most systems, a loss rate of more than 2.0
liter/day is excessive. For a dipstick
system, the dewar loss rate (see 16) may
be subtracted from the system loss rate to
give the cryostat loss rate (which should
not be above 1.5 liter/day).
16) High loss rate of liquid Degradation of dewar Check system loss rate as in 15. If
nitrogen. Excessively cold vacuum. cryostat is a dipstick model, place it in
dewar with moisture another dewar and measure the dewar
condensation. Cryostat loss rate alone. Place a stopper in the hole
temperature normal.* in the white RTV silicone collar and
measure by weight as in 15. A 30-liter
dewar with collar assembly should have a
loss rate below 0.7 liter/day. To order a
replacement dewar, contact the ORTEC
Global Service Center (or your local
ORTEC representative, if outside the
U.S.A.).
* Note: Some systems have a common cryostat-dewar vacuum. Symptoms 15 and 16 occur simultaneously
in such systems.
20
ORTEC® is a registered trademark of Advanced Measurement Technology, Inc. All other trademarks used herein are
the property of their respective owners.
22
APPENDIX A.
Since essentially all of the electronic specifications depend to some extent on the components within
the cryostat, the following should be interpreted as resultant system specifications. Furthermore, due to
the variability in these components, these specifications should be understood as typical values.
OUTPUTS Two 18-in. RG178 coax cables with Detector cryostats built by ORTEC contain a
female BNC connectors. Output 2 is selectable as a temperature-sensing element attached to the cooling
normal second output or as a differential (DIFF) path. The sensing element c onnects to a hybrid
output signal or phantom using a printed circuit monitoring circ uit incorporated into the preamplifier
board jumper, W3. electronics. An output cable from the preamplifier is
connected to the Bias Shutdown input on the rear
CONVERSION GAIN Nominally 175 mV/MeV (Ge), panel of the ORTEC Model 659/660 5-kV Bias
negative output pulse signal. Supply. This s upply is designed to prevent the
RISETIME Pulser risetime ty pically 25 ns; actual application of detector bias voltage if the bias
risetime to nuclear event depends on detector shutdown cable is not connected, or if the cable is
characteristics. defective (open or shorted). The supply also reduces
the detector bias voltage to zero if the bias shutdown
MAXIMUM OUTPUT Maximum pulse output to a input signal from the detector indicates a warm
single event is %10 V. condition (%5 V dc). The monitoring circuit in the
MAXIMUM ENERGY RATE With standard preamp provides this signal if the detector
2000 MÙ feedback resistor, maximum average temperature becomes too high.
energy rate until preamp saturation is 180,000 When a shutdown condition ex is ts (the detector is
MeV/s. warm or the bias shutdown cable is not connected),
the bias supply display will indicate zero voltage, a
NONLINEARITIES Integral and differential, <0.05%
over 90% of the dynamic range of the preamp. front-panel Shutdown LED will turn on, and system
noise will greatly increase after shutdown occurs.
BIAS ISOLATION High-voltage filter capable of
supplying needs of detector up to 5000 V bias. For the unit to be operational, preamplifier power
must be provided through the power cable. After the
TEMPERATURE INSTABILITY <50 ppm/EC over high voltage has been automatically shut off, the
0EC to %50EC recommended operating temperature bias supply switch must be turned off until the
range. s y stem has been filled with liquid nitrogen and
completely cooled for the recommended period (see
POWER REQUIREMENTS 1 watt nominal, %24 V,
Quality Assurance Data Sheet in the front of this
18 mA; -24 V, 8 mA; +12 V, 24 mA; -12 V, 8 mA.
manual, or the label on the detector system).
Accidental application of high volta ge to a
Cable Pack
detector that is not fully cold can cause serious
damage and void your warranty.
Each ORTEC Photon Detector System is provided
with a standard cable pack containing: signal cable The automatic shutoff should be placed in operation
and test puls e c able (both RG62A/U, 93 Ù BNC), before attempting to apply bias to the detector. Thus
23
the circuit will also prevent the accidental application Differential Output Signal
of bias to a detector that has not yet reached
When long connecting cables are used between the
operating temperature. This is a significant
detector/preamplifier and amplifier input, noise
advantage over the liquid nitrogen level monitor,
induced in the cable by the environment c an be a
which is based on a temperature- sensing probe in
problem. Amplifiers with differential input mode can
the dewar. However, the ORTEC Model 729A Liquid
be used with paired cables from the preamplifier to
Nitrogen Level Monitor provides an alarm feature
suppress the induced noise.
that is not practical with the automatic shutoff
located within the preamplifier. Also, a liquid nitrogen This preamplifier can be used in differential mode by
level monitor provides an earlier warning, allowing moving jumper, W3, on the printed wiring board from
the addition of liquid nitrogen before the detector NORM to DIFF. This makes OUTPUT 2 the
temperature is affected. differential output signal, or phantom. A second
output c able must be added to the preamplifier to
High-Rate Indicator OUTPUT 2, which, now in the DIFF position, has its
center, signal pin connected to the preamplifier
For any dc-coupled charge-sensitive preamplifier, if
ground with same value as the normal preamp
the energy rate (count rate × energy product)
output series resistor (normally 93.1 Ù). Both cables
exceeds a given level (value dependent on the
should be the same length and run nex t to each
particular system), the preamplifier will shut off. As
other.+
the energy rate approaches this level, the detector
system may suffer from excessive resolution
External Noise Impact
degradation and peak shift. If the energy rate hovers
around the shutoff level, the preamplifier may turn on
The detector is a highly sensitive, low noise device
and off intermittently. Obviously, data collected under
whose performance can be adversely affected in
such conditions are not reliable and corrective action
the presence of high level electrical or RF noise.
should be taken.
The adverse impact of this noise will be indicated
A hybrid circuit within the preamplifier monitors the on the MCA screen by one or more of the
charge loop output voltage. When a c ondition of following: elevated count rate, elevated deadtime,
ex c essively high rate exists, an output is provided or resolution degradation. Once the noise source
suitable for lighting an LED located in the is removed, the detector output will recover to
preamplifier shield. normal performance.
24
Fig. A.1. Streamline Detector System Preamplifier. Simplified Schematic with High-Rate and
Automatic High-Voltage Shutoff Options.