ANGLE 3
ANGLE 3 is the latest version of the long existing and well known software for semiconductor detector gamma-efficiency calculations. ANGLE allows for accurate determination of the activities of gamma-spectroscopic samples for which no "replicate" standard exists, in terms of geometry and matrix. Semi-empirical "efficiency transfer" (ET) approach is used, based on the effective solid angle (Ω) calculations.
ANGLE combines advantages of both absolute (Monte Carlo) and relative (calibrated-source-based) methods - minimizing potential for systematic errors in the former and reducing practical limitations of the latter.
ANGLE is broadly applicable, accounting for most of counting arrangements in gamma-spectrometry practice (in respect to detector types and configuration, source shapes and volumes, matrix composition, source-to-detector distance, etc.).
ANGLE 3 is result of 19 years development, experience with utilization in numerous gamma-spectrometry laboratories worldwide and constructive users' feedback. For the list of some prominent ANGLE users click here.
ANGLE 3 outline
Main characteristics can be summarized as:
- broad application range, covering the vast majority of counting situations in gamma-spectrometry related sciences and applications (radioactivity measurements and control, environmental monitoring, radioactive waste management, NAA, etc.);
- high accuracy (uncertainties are of the order of a few percent - usually less than from other uncertainty sources in the measurement), based upon the concept of the ET and effective solid angle calculations; the latter proved to be among the most reliable efficiency determination approaches;
- easy data manipulation with friendly and intuitive graphical user interface;
- short computation times of the order of seconds on standard PCs (normally less than a minute);
- flexibility in respect with changing input parameters, which enables easy estimation of the impact of a particular parameter on the detection efficiency and, related to this
- teaching/training aspect (e.g. in gamma-spectrometry courses), since practically all parameters characterizing the detection process are found therein, systematically grouped and easy to follow and understand;
- no need for "factory characterization" of the detector – ANGLE can be used with any HPGE detector; when necessary, the detector performance is easily re-validated without intervention from the vendor;
- possibility to expand, so as to meet changing users' counting conditions/requirements;
- possibility to accommodate other ET methods for efficiency calculations;
Work on further ANGLE improvements and upgrading continues – towards meeting spectrometrists' needs and requirements.
New in ANGLE 3
Some of the most important new features in version 3 include:
- possibility that any counting arrangement (i.e. any source/geometry) can be used as a reference one,
- support for detector crystal edge rounding (bulletizing),
- support for detector crystal hole/core-end rounding,
- support for some new detector input parameters (end-cap coatings and additional housing elements),
- support for new elements in source, container and geometry configuration,
- refreshed, improved and even more intuitive user interface,
- mathematical model used in calculations is improved, leading to enhanced precision in some particular cases,
- import and export functionality for ORTEC GammaVision files,
- significantly improved calculation speed (starting from version build 3.0.0.231), recent update!
- import and export functionality for Canberra CAM files (starting from version build 3.0.0.239). recent update!