The TOPAZ-Pico is a compact, stand-alone, digital Multichannel Analyzer (MCA) capable of performing Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) of a signal produced by a standard scintillation detector such as NaI(Tl), LaBr3, CeBr3, etc.
The TOPAZ-Pico can be easily interfaced to a PC or notebook via a standard USB port for further data transfer and analysis. The MCA is provided with a basic software package that allows for control of the device and the acquisition and visualization of the energy spectrua. The software incorporates an advanced and easy-to-use “discovery” function that can be used to automatically detect other bMCA or TOPAZ-Pico MCAs in the PC’s network.
A set of programming libraries is also offered which makes the incorporation of the TOPAZ-Pico into existing radiation systems or setups very easy. The programming libraries are available for both MS Windows and Linux operating systems. The TOPAZ-Pico is available in a rugged, pocket-size aluminum box with input and output connectors or as a separate Printed-Circuit Board (PCB) for OEM integration.
Overview
The TOPAZ-Pico is an advanced, fully digital, and compact stand-alone Multichannel Analyzer (MCA). The device is used to process the electronic pulses generated by a photomultiplier (PMT) coupled to a scintillation detector. Energy spectra are stored in the device’s memory for further retrieval and analysis on a PC. The spectral memory of the MCA is up to 4096 channels. A basic acquisition software package is provided for managing such device operations as setup, control, data acquisition and visualization.
The TOPAZ-Pico implements two modes of data acquisition: Pulse Height Analysis (PHA) and Multi-Channel Scaling (MCS). PHA mode is regularly used in nuclear spectrometry and radiometry, while MCS is a very useful feature for following photon detections in a specific energy region as a function of time. MCS acquisition mode is useful to both laboratory and industrial applications that make use of radioactive sources or search for radioactive materials.
The TOPAZ-Pico design makes use of the latest advances in digital electronics. The MCA utilizes powerful digital processing techniques and algorithms to better separate the useful signal from noise and to maximize performance under high count rate conditions. The MCA also contains a miniaturized high-voltage power supply optimized for low consumption that provides the necessary power for the PMT tube, including those used with large scintillation detectors.
The device is cased inside a rugged aluminum box of pocket size with one input connector (detector signal together with high voltage) and output\control connector (USB mini type B). As an option, the MCA can have an extra input connection for TTL signal count, quite useful to connect the input of a neutron counter.
This TOPAZ-Pico is also available as a separate PCB only, ideal for OEM integration. The programming libraries for Windows and Linux OS are available as well.
A basic acquisition software package is provided for managing such device operations as setup, control, data acquisition, and visualization.
Options
TOPAZ-Pico/SIPM
This new hardware option for the Topaz-Pico MCA is compatible with scintillation detectors read out by Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM). The cable between the detector and Topaz-Pico/SIPM includes three wires: Signal, Low Voltage (6V) and Earth. SiPMs do no require HV
. 
TOPAZ-Pico BNC
The TOPAZ-Pico-BNC version of the MCA features BNC connectors instead of LEMOs.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
The TOPAZ-Pico is also available in Printed Circuit Board form for OEM integration.
Topaz-Pico/ALPHA
The Topaz-Pico/ALPHA is compatible with most known Alpha spectroscopy solid state detectors such as old surface barrier and PIPS detectors. The Topaz-Pico/ALPHA includes a built-in preamplifier and HV needed for the detector.
bGamma Spectral Analysis Software
bGamma is a general-purpose, comprehensive, and extensive software package for gamma-ray spectrum analysis, and radionuclide identification and quantification. The software can analyze any recorded gamma-ray spectrum independently of the detector type, geometry or sample. bGamma provides all the necessary tools and functionality for performing detailed analysis of complex gamma-ray spectra and the corresponding radionuclide identification for the given sample.
PHA Acquisition Mode
- Spectral memory size of 256, 512, 1024, 2048 and 4096 channels
- Coarse gain with amplification factors of 1, 2, 4 and 8. Fine gain from 1 to 2 in steps of 1/4096
- Upper and Lower Level Discriminator settings given in channels
MCS Acquisition Mode
- Spectral memory size of 256, 512, 1024, 2048 and 4096 channels
- Dwell time from 0.1 sec to “count-forever”
- Easy to setup from ROIs or nuclide information
Digital Settings
- Rise Time: from 0.1 to 12 µsec in steps of 0.2 µsec
- Flat Top: from 0.1 to 8.0 µsec in steps of 0.1 µsec
- Threshold: 1 to 255
- Digital Base Line Restorer (BLR)
- Pile-Up Rejector (PUR)
High Voltage Power Supply
- Miniature HV power supply embedded into the MCA assembly
- Voltage: (positive) 0 to 1 500 Volts in 4096 steps
Data communication
- USB 2.0, cable included
Physical
- Size
- MCA box: height 107 mm, width 72 mm, height 19 mm
- PCB only: 80 mm x 60 mm
- Shipping Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 3"
- Weight
- Less than 150 grams (including box)
- Shipping Weight: 1 lb
- Connectors
- USB type mini B (to computer)
- Lemo connector. Type ERA 0S 403 CLL (for both detector HV Bias and Signal)
- Indicators
- Red LED for detector high voltage
- Yellow LED for incoming count rate (ICR)
- Green LED for power and communication status
Other
- The device is supplied with a basic software to control operation, data acquisition, and visualization
- Necessary programming libraries for Microsoft Windows and Linux are available upon request
Optional
- The MCA can be supplied with extra input connector for TTL signal counting
Certifications
- The device is CE compliant
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