MultiSpect Analysis
User Manual
For software version 17.1.194 (November 2015)

1

The information in this manual describes the product at the time of writing and is subject to change without
notice. Kromek frequently releases new software and hardware revisions and this manual may differ from what
is seen.
Functionality within the software is controlled by licence. Which features are accessible will depend on thelicence type applied by the user.
The Kromek logo, KSpect, MultiSpect, MultiSpect Analysis, D3, DS3, SIGMA, TN15, K102, GR1, Quant for GR1,
and RayMon are registered trademarks of Kromek Limited.
© Kromek Limited. All rights reserved.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries.

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Contents
Introduction........................................................................................... 6
Software Installation .............................................................................. 6
Software Updates .................................................................................. 6
Licensing ................................................................................................ 6
Activating a licence ...................................................................................... 7
Moving a licence .......................................................................................... 7
Upgrading your licence ................................................................................ 7

Main Screen Overview ........................................................................... 8Connecting Detectors ............................................................................. 9
Detector serial numbers .............................................................................. 9
Selecting detectors in KSpect .................................................................... 10

Acquiring Data ..................................................................................... 11
Starting data acquisition ............................................................................ 11
Clearing acquired data ............................................................................... 11
Acquisition time limits ............................................................................... 11
Performing auto-repeats ........................................................................... 11
Overflow bin suppression .......................................................................... 12

Spectrum Cursor .................................................................................. 12
Detector and Measurement Thumbnails ............................................... 12
Spectrum Display Settings .................................................................... 13
Zooming ..................................................................................................... 14
Vertical scale .............................................................................................. 14
Channels or energy on horizontal axis....................................................... 14
Visible spectra............................................................................................ 15
Spectrum colour ........................................................................................ 15

Energy Calibration ................................................................................ 15
Efficiency Calibration............................................................................ 17
Defining the calibration ............................................................................. 17
Managing efficiency calibrations ............................................................... 19

Other Device Settings ........................................................................... 20
Lower level discriminator (LLD) ................................................................. 20
Software cut off ......................................................................................... 20
Dead time factor ........................................................................................ 20
Polarity....................................................................................................... 20
Resolution calibration ................................................................................ 21
Save neutron counts in gamma spectrum ................................................. 21

Spectrum Data Box............................................................................... 21
Spectrum acquisition data ......................................................................... 21
Scale ranges ............................................................................................... 21
Cursor position .......................................................................................... 22
Region of interest (ROI) ............................................................................. 22

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Active device .............................................................................................. 22

Monitor Traces..................................................................................... 23
Adding a new monitor ............................................................................... 24
Editing the monitor settings ...................................................................... 24
Saving and exporting the monitor data ..................................................... 25
Clearing the monitor data ......................................................................... 25

File Operations..................................................................................... 25
Spectrum load ........................................................................................... 25
Spectrum save ........................................................................................... 25
Copy spectrum ........................................................................................... 26

Reports ................................................................................................ 26
Printing ................................................................................................ 26
Region of Interest (ROI) Operations ...................................................... 26
Defining a region of interest (ROI) ............................................................. 27
Region of interest calculations .................................................................. 27

Summing Spectra ................................................................................. 28
Summing multiple spectra ......................................................................... 28
Saving an aggregate spectrum................................................................... 29
Loading an aggregate spectrum ................................................................ 29

Measurement Database ....................................................................... 30
Loading a measurement ............................................................................ 30
Saving a measurement .............................................................................. 30
Importing ................................................................................................... 31
Editing measurement information ............................................................ 31
Importing measurements from a Kromek device ...................................... 31
Finding measurements .............................................................................. 32
Exporting ................................................................................................... 32
Settings ...................................................................................................... 33
Backup ....................................................................................................... 33
Restore ...................................................................................................... 33
Reset .......................................................................................................... 33

Spectrum Peak Analysis........................................................................ 34
Enabling peak analysis ............................................................................... 34
Configuring peak analysis .......................................................................... 34
Peak area and FWHM analysis results ....................................................... 38
Activity from peak areas ............................................................................ 39
Graphical display of analysis ...................................................................... 40
User-entered comments ........................................................................... 41
Saving and loading the analysis configuration .......................................... 41

Simplified Activity Analysis in MultiSpect.............................................. 43
Starting activity analysis ............................................................................ 43
Configuring activity analysis ...................................................................... 43
Analysis configuration options .................................................................. 45
Results ....................................................................................................... 46
Saving and loading the analysis configuration .......................................... 47
Calibration of simplified activity ................................................................ 48

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Scripting .............................................................................................. 49
Example: repeat measurements with a single detector ............................ 49
Example: repeat measurements with multiple detectors ......................... 50
Execution at start up.................................................................................. 51

Index ................................................................................................... 52

5

Introduction
MultiSpect Analysis is designed for Kromek’s range of USB radiation detectors giving
easy connection and setup, and analysis functions tailored to the detectors and theirapplications. MultiSpect Analysis Premium adds advanced functions for thequantitative analysis of activity which are not present in standard MultiSpect
Analysis.
KSpect is a free version of the software with capabilities for data acquisition from one
gamma and one neutron detector at a time, and basic peak region of interest analysis,
without the advanced features of MultiSpect Analysis.
In order to use MultiSpect Analysis a licence is required that is supplied by Kromek
which enables either the standard or the premium features. Without a valid licence,or after a trial licence has expired, MultiSpect Analysis will run with only the KSpect
features available.

Software Installation
KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis are compatible with Windows 7 and 8.
To install the software double click the setup.exe file.
Microsoft SQL Server is installed alongside KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis. The
installer will prompt the user if additional downloads are required from Microsoft
during the installation process.

Software Updates
The software will check for updates periodically. If an update is found on the server
the user is notified and given the option to download and install the update. The user
can make the software check whether an update is available by selecting ‘Check for
Updates’ from the ‘Help’ menu. If there is no internet connection on the computerrunning KSpect or MultiSpect Analysis installer files can be downloaded from the
Kromek website. If the current licence will not work with the updated software theuser cannot download the update. Notifications for updates which require a licence
upgrade can be turned off by clicking ‘File’, followed by ‘Preferences’, and thenclicking the checkbox for hide incompatible updates.

Licensing
When MultiSpect Analysis is run for the first time it will ask the user to enter a licence.
The licence controls which features are available to the user. A new licence can beapplied at a later time by selecting ‘Enter New Licence’ from the ‘Help’ menu.

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Activating a licence
A licence can be activated in one of three ways:
1.
2.

3.

Over the internet using a licence key
Via another computer that has an internet connection using a licence key (ifyou have no internet connection on the computer where the software is
installed)
Using a file if you have been supplied with a licence file instead of a key

Please select the appropriate option and follow the on-screen instructions.

Moving a licenceTo move your software licence to another machine please contact Kromek to haveyour licence reset. Moving your licence is free provided the licence is still valid.

Upgrading your licence
To upgrade your licence please contact Kromek for a new licence key. The new licence
can then be applied by selecting ‘Enter New Licence’ from the ‘Help’ menu.

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Main Screen Overview
When first loading KSpect or MultiSpect Analysis the main window is displayed:

A
B

C
D
A. The menus at the top of the screen contain controls for starting an acquisition,
viewing the data and choosing the analysis that is performed on the measured data.
Double clicking the menu headings allows it to be hidden giving more space for the
display of data. Shortcut buttons on the top title bar always give convenient accessto the most important functions regardless of which menu tab is displayed. These canbe configured from the drop down menu to the right of the shortcuts.
B. The plot area shows the data acquired from the detectors. When the ‘Spectra’ tabis selected the energy spectra from the detectors are displayed, and when the‘Monitors’ tab is selected the count rate against time is plotted for the detectors.
Note that only spectra are visible in KSpect.
C. When on the ‘Spectra’ tab a spectrum data box gives information on the active
measurement and detector.
D. Every detector connected to MultiSpect, and every loaded measurement, is givena thumbnail. The thumbnail gives controls over just that single set of data. Clicking
the thumbnail makes it active, shown by a green border, and all analysis is performedon the active measurement.

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Connecting Detectors
Connect a compatible detector to the computer using a USB cable. The software willrecognize the hardware and indicate that the device is connected in the status bar at
the bottom of the window.
The software displays a dialog listing the newly-connected detector, asking you toenter or confirm the serial number of the detector:

Enter the serial number of the detector and click OK.
The device is now ready to start acquiring data.

Detector serial numbers
KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis allow you to enter calibration data and other device
settings for each detector and save this information for future use when the samedetector is connected again. It is important to use the same serial number for thedetector each time you connect that detector so the correct stored values are used.
You must give each detector a unique serial number. The serial number can be any
text, but we suggest you use the serial number printed on the detector if possible. If
you have more than one detector connected, you can see which is which by checking
the Port names in the dialog. The Port names identify the USB ports you haveconnected the detectors to, and will be the same when you connect the detectors
again.
When you re-connect a detector on the same USB port, KSpect/MultiSpect assumes
that this is probably the same detector you last connected to that port, and puts the9serial number of that detector in the serial numbers dialog. So if you always use thesame detectors in the same USB ports, all you have to do after the first time is checkthat the serial numbers in the dialog are correct, and click ‘OK’ or press the [Enter]
key.
The software remembers each serial number you have used. So if you change which
detector is connected to which port, you can simply select the correct serial number
from the drop-list of serial numbers beside each detector.
If you choose the wrong serial number, and you only realize this after you have closed
the dialog, just disconnect the detector and re-connect it - The software will display
the dialog again so you can select the correct serial number.
Known detectors can be managed by selecting ‘Manage Detectors’ from the ‘Setup’menu allowing editing of device information and records of old detectors that are nolonger used to be removed.

•

Create can be used to add a new detector.

•

Edit will allow the serial number or the device type to be changed.

•

Delete removes the detector and all associated calibrations.

Selecting detectors in KSpect
KSpect is limited to only acquiring from one gamma ray detector and one neutron
detector at any one time. If multiple detectors are connected the active detector canbe selected from the ‘Setup’ menu.

10Acquiring Data
MultiSpect Analysis can acquire from all connected detectors simultaneously. KSpect
supports acquisition from one single gamma ray detector and one neutron detector
at a time. The active detector can be selected from the Setup menu.

Starting data acquisition
Pressing the ‘Acquire’ button located either on the ‘Acquisition’ menu or shortcut
menu at the top, or pressing [F1], will begin collecting data from all the enabled
detectors.
When detectors are first connected they are enabled for data collection by default. If
multiple detectors are connected it is possible to disable an individual detector tostop data being recorded during acquisition using the button on the detector
thumbnail (see page 12).

Clearing acquired data
MultiSpect Analysis can simultaneously display results from multiple detectors andloaded measurements. At any one time there is one selected or "active"
measurement, which is chosen by clicking on a thumbnail, and is highlighted by acoloured border around the thumbnail. After selecting the thumbnail showing thedata to be cleared press the ‘Erase’ button, or the [F2] key, to clear the data.

Acquisition time limits
The acquisition of data can be stopped automatically after a user specified time limit
has elapsed. Two different time limits are available: real time and live time. Real timeis the total duration of the measurement. Live time is the total time the detector has
been active and able to record data. The values of these limits are set using the ‘Realtime’ and ‘Live time’ limits controls located on the ‘Acquisition’ menu.
A limit of zero will be ignored and allow acquisition to continue indefinitely. If both
limits are set to non-zero values, the one that is reached first will stop the acquisition.
If both limits are zero, the acquisition will not stop until the ‘Stop’ button, or the [F1]key, is pressed. The limits can only be adjusted when the acquisition is not active.

Performing auto-repeats
Repeated acquisitions of a fixed duration can be saved into the databaseautomatically. They are configured from the ‘Acquisitions’ menu. All enabled
detectors will be included in the repeat measurements.
To perform repeated acquisitions:

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1.
2.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Set the number of measurement to perform in the ‘Acquisitions’ field. Set
this value to ‘1’ to disable repeated acquisitions.
Provide a ‘Save Name’ that will be used for the measurements in the
database. This ‘Save Name’ will have the number of the repeat appended
when saved. The ‘Same Name’ will be used for measurements from all
detectors in the acquisition.
To clear the data before each repeat tick the ‘Clear on each acquisition’check box.
Provide a ‘Live Time’ and/or ‘Real Time’ limit for each repeat.
Enable/disable the detectors you wish to include/exclude from theacquisitions using the controls on the detectors’ thumbnails.
Start the acquisitions by clicking the ‘Acquire’ button.
Repeat acquisitions can be cancelled at any time by clicking the ‘Stop’
button. All completed acquisitions up to that point will have been saved into
the measurement database.

Overflow bin suppression
The highest channel of a spectroscopic detector is used to collect all counts that are
higher than the upper range of the detector. This can result in a spike appearing athigh energies depending on the type of detector being used. To avoid this spike theoverflow counts can be suppressed. This suppression is configured under ‘File’ and‘Preferences’. Suppression is enabled by default when the software is first installed.

Spectrum Cursor
A vertical dashed line in the plotting area of the ‘Spectra’ tab forms a cursor allowing
data to be read from the graph and several different operations such as region ofinterest (ROI) selection, energy calibration, and lower level discrimination (LLD)
adjustment.
The position of the cursor can be shifted by a single channel using the [Left] or [Right]
arrow keys on the keyboard. Larger steps in the cursor position are obtained bypressing the [Page Down] or [Page Up] keys. Left-clicking the mouse anywhere on the
spectrum plot will also move the cursor to that channel in the spectrum.
The ‘Cursor data’ section of the spectrum data box gives the spectrum information at
the position of the cursor.

Detector and Measurement Thumbnails
Below the data plots section are the thumbnails. Each thumbnail shows a miniature
representation of the data from the detector. The source of the data is shown
underneath and there is a toolbar of buttons to manage the data at the top. Hovering

12the mouse over the thumbnail will display the serial number or measurement nameof the thumbnail.
The buttons on the toolbar save the data (if it has changed since the last save), hideor show the data in the main plot, and clear or close the measurement. There is alsoan ‘enable/disable acquisition’ button; when acquisition is started, only those
detectors that are enabled will acquire data. The input spectra to an aggregate canalso be configured from the thumbnail. During acquisition, the enable and disable
acquisition buttons are disabled.
Enabled

Save

Disabled Hidden

Set Inputs

VisibleClear

Additional functions are available by right clicking the thumbnail. For example, data
can be copied to a new thumbnail by right clicking the existing thumbnail andselecting "Copy". This is particularly useful for preserving acquired data and using it
for comparison.
After loading a measurement, the information on the measurement can be seen by
right clicking the thumbnail and selecting ‘Measurement Information‘. A window isdisplayed showing information including any associated neutron measurements. Thiswindow also allows some of the data to be edited.

Spectrum Display Settings
Spectrum display settings can be found on the ‘Spectra’ menu. The menu will only bevisible when the ‘Spectra’ view is shown.

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Zooming
Pressing ‘Zoom in’ at the top, or pressing the [F4] key, zooms in at the position of the
cursor. The plot area is split into two sections, the top showing the full range spectrum
and the lower the zoomed in region. Pressing ‘Zoom in’ again increases the level ofmagnification. Zooming can also be achieved with the mouse wheel after clicking on
the spectrum.
Clicking at a different point on the top spectrum changes the region shown in thezoomed in section of the display. Directly beneath the plot area is a scroll bar that canalso be used to change the view area when the horizontal scale has been zoomed in.
Additionally, right-clicking the mouse when the pointer is over the spectrum display
will bring up a context menu with selections for zooming.
The spectrum can be returned to full scale by repeatedly pressing ‘Zoom Out’ / [F5]or pressing ‘Full Scale’ / [F6].

Vertical scale
The vertical axis of the spectrum plot is in units of counts. The maximum displayed
value can be changed using the Vertical scale controls located on the ‘Spectra’ menu.
Pressing the [Up]/[Down] arrow key will also move the axis maximum counts stepping
up/down through the available values.
This maximum counts value can be set to a fixed value, or to automatically adjust to
the maximum value of the data being plotted. You can choose whether auto-scaling
adjusts to accommodate all spectra or just the active spectrum in the program‘Preferences’ from the ‘File’ menu.

Channels or energy on horizontal axis
Note: This functionality is not present in KSpect
Spectral data from a detector can be plotted by raw channel number where thecounts have been detected. If an energy calibration exists for the detector, providing
the conversion of channel to energy, the spectrum can also be plotted on an energy
scale. To enter an energy calibration see the calibration section. The ‘Energy mode’button located on the ‘Spectra’ and ‘Analysis’ menus allow the user to switch
between displaying the spectrum in channel and energy modes:

14When multiple detectors are connected their spectra may not be directly comparable
because of differences in the energy calibrations. MultiSpect Analysis transforms thechannel counts into energy bins using an interpolation algorithm to reassign event
counts from the detector channels to the normalized energy channels, maintaining
the total counts from the detector. The user can select the energy interval using the‘interval’ drop down box. In this energy display mode the spectra from different
detectors are directly comparable and operations can be performed to combine
detectors.

Visible spectra
Any number of spectra can be loaded into memory and displayed with MultiSpect
Analysis. KSpect is limited to 5 spectra at a time. Each spectrum can be made visibleor hidden by clicking on the show/hide button in the toolbar of the spectrum’s
thumbnail. The currently active spectrum must be visible and therefore its visibility
button is disabled.

Spectrum colour
The colour used to display the spectrum can be changed by right clicking the
thumbnail and selecting ‘Colour’.

Energy Calibration
Each spectral detector has its own energy calibration for converting the channel
number to the energy of that channel. Using a suitable radiation calibration source
the energy of particular channels can be measured. When two or more data points
for the calibration are entered the energy calibration will automatically be calculated.
The energy calibration is determined through a fit of the channel-keV conversion data
points to a straight line.
To enter a calibration right click the detector thumbnail and select ‘Energy
calibration’. This can also be done by selecting the thumbnail and clicking ‘Energy
calibration’ located on the ‘Acquisition’ menu. A data grid will be displayed allowing
pairs of channel and energy values to be entered:15

Using this window, data points can be directly entered into the data grid. The ‘Add
Cursor Point’ button will set the channel cell in the current spreadsheet row (the row
where the spreadsheet cursor is positioned) to the channel value of the spectrum
cursor.
A shortcut for entering calibration points is to position the cursor on the active
spectrum and enter the keV value in the text box in either the ‘cursor data’ or in the‘centroid’ of the ‘ROI data’ of the data box below the spectrum.
The ‘Delete Point’ button will delete the data contained in the current spreadsheet
row. Deleting a data point can also be accomplished by selecting and deleting theenergy value associated with the point in the spreadsheet. Finally, pressing the ‘Reset’button deletes all the data points clearing the calibration.
The calibration for the active spectrum can be copied from that of another spectrum
loaded in memory by selecting ‘Copy Calibration From’ and then selecting the source
spectrum from the drop-down list.
When modification of the calibration is finished, the calibration window can be closed
using the standard widow close button located at the upper right corner of thewidow.

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Efficiency Calibration
Note: This functionality is only present in MultiSpect Analysis Premium
Where the detector and radioactive sources are used in a fixed geometry an efficiency
calibration of the system can be used, together with the measured count rates inspectrum peaks, in calculating source activity. Tools are provided allowing the user
to determine the efficiency of their system using a calibration source of known
activity. The detector must have an energy calibration and a resolution calibration
before an efficiency calibration can be entered, and the spectrum must be displayedin ‘Energy Mode’ with an energy horizontal axis (see page 14).

Defining the calibration
The efficiency calibration is defined in the “Detector Settings” window which can be
opened from the “Setup” ribbon menu, or by right-clicking themeasurement/detector thumbnail. The “Efficiency Calibration” tab shows thecalibration, the fit to the data and the 1 standard deviation confidence limits on the
fit to the data. The graph can be viewed on either a linear or log scale by changing theoption in the dropdown box above the graph.

Each efficiency point, ε, in the efficiency calibration is defined from:=
Where:
R is the measured photopeak net count rate,
S is the activity of the source on the measurement date, andPγ is the probability of emission of the gamma rays being measured.

17

All efficiency calibration points must be made with the same the peak region ofinterest width factor setting for analysing the net counts in the peak.
The error on the data point is calculated from the errors on the net count rate andthe source activity.
After recording a spectrum from a calibration source of known activity place thecursor on a photopeak and press the ‘Add cursor point’ button. An efficiency
calculation window is displayed allowing the efficiency and error to be determined
for the selected peak.

Choose the radionuclide and emission line for the selected peak. MultiSpect willmeasure the net counts in the peak. The number of bins used on each side of thepeak for determining the background to be subtracted can be adjusted with the‘upper’ and ‘lower’ window controls under the display of the peak.
Enter the calibrated activity of the source and the one standard deviation uncertainty
in the activity for the reference date when the source was calibrated. MultiSpect uses
the half-life of the radionuclide for calculating the activity on the spectrum
measurement date.
The calculated efficiency and error are displayed at the bottom of the screen. To add
this as a data point to the efficiency curve press ‘Add’.

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Fit to the efficiency data
MultiSpect fits the efficiency data points with the following curve:
ln
=
+ ln
+ ln E
Where:
ε is the efficiency,
E the energy,
ai are fitted coefficients,
and the order of fit, n, is between 3 and 7.

+⋯+

ln E

The user must select the order of fit most suitable for their data from the control onthe ‘Efficiency Calibration’ tab. The ±1σ errors on the fitted line are shown with pale
pink lines on the calibration curve. It is important to inspect these errors to identify
if the chosen curve is a realistic fit to the data.
Note that the validity of the fit outside the region where data points lie falls rapidly
and causes large errors on the extrapolated values. A wide range of data points
should be included in the calibration.

Managing efficiency calibrations
Saving and loading efficiency calibrations
After an efficiency calibration has been entered it can be saved for future use by the‘favourites’ menu. This allows several efficiency curves to be stored for different
geometries. The same menu allows a stored calibration to be loaded to the detector.
Only one efficiency calibration can be loaded at a time and this is the one used foranalysis.
When a measurement is saved in the database the efficiency calibration is saved withthat measurement for future use.
Copy calibration from another measurement or detector
The efficiency curve can be copied from another live detector or loaded measurement
to another by using the ‘copy calibration from…’ option on the ‘efficiency calibration’tab of the ‘detector settings’ window.
Exporting/Importing efficiency calibrations
Efficiency calibrations can be exported and imported from the star menu to movethem to other computers which use the same detector or where analysis will be
continued.

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Other Device Settings
Depending on the particular type of detector that is connected additional settings
may be available. These are all displayed in the "Device Settings" window from the"Setup" menu or from right clicking the thumbnail. These operations are described
below. They relate to the active thumbnail and clicking between thumbnails will show
the settings for the chosen detector or measurement.

Lower level discriminator (LLD) adjustment
The LLD is a setting of the attached detector. This setting is a channel value
corresponding to a pulse height below which the spectrometer should ignore allpulses. To adjust the LLD, click ‘Set LLD’ from the ‘General tab’ of device settings. The
spectrum cursor will change to one labelled Set LLD and will appear at the location of
the current LLD setting. The LLD setting is then adjusted by moving the cursor. The
cursor can be moved with the arrow keys, with the [page up]/[page down] keys, byleft-clicking with the mouse anywhere along the spectrum, or by left-clicking on the
cursor and dragging with the mouse. The LLD is typically set to cut out the noise
counts at the low energy side of the spectrum. After the desired LLD is set, select ‘Set
LLD’ again to exit the set LLD mode.

Software cut off
In addition to the hardware LLD a software cut off can be applied. This is purely in thesoftware and is specified in channels relative to the hardware LLD position. To set thiscut off first enable the cut off with the checkbox and then enter the number ofchannels offset on the ‘General’ tab of ‘Device Settings’.

Dead time factor
KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis calculate dead time in the detectors based on a single
dead time factor which is set on the ‘General’ tab of the ‘Device Settings’ window.
Total dead time, D, is calculated from: =, where τ is the dead time constant,
M is the measured count rate, and T is the real time. The live time, L, is thencalculated from: =1−.

Polarity adjustment
When connected to a Multi-Channel Analyser (MCA) the polarity of the incoming
pulses to the MCA must be set. This is done from the ‘General’ tab by selecting either
positive or negative from the polarity section.

20

Resolution calibration
The variation of the resolution of the detector with respect to channel is shown in the
Resolution Calibration tab. This is used in the peak analysis functions within
MultiSpect Analysis.

Save neutron counts in gamma spectrum
If a neutron detector is connected that only measures neutron counts, not aspectrum, there is an option within the neutron detector device settings to save theneutron data within gamma-ray measurements of all gamma-ray detectors
connected at the same time. This enables the neutron field to be measured andrecorded alongside the gamma-ray data for future analysis. This is available in both
KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis.

Spectrum Data Box
On the ‘Spectra’ tab below the spectra is a pane containing data associated with thespectrum acquisition, spectrum plot scales, cursor, and current region of interest.

Spectrum acquisition data
Real time is the total time that has elapsed during the acquisition of pulse height data.
Live time is the length of time that the pulse processing hardware has actually been
active and able to detect pulses during the data acquisition. In other words, live timeis the real time reduced by the total time that the hardware has been inactive as aresult of pulse processing activities. Dead time is the instantaneous percentage oftime that the hardware is inactive as a result of pulse processing activities rather thanbeing able to detect pulses.
Count rate is the number of events detected per second shown both as a number andvia a horizontal graphical bar. Rates displayed are not corrected for dead time in thedetector and show the instantaneous rate, not the average rate over the totalacquisition time.

Scale ranges
The next data group from the left, scale ranges, lists the maximum number of counts
used for the vertical axis of the spectrum plot and the number of channels that thehorizontal axis currently spans. If the active spectrum has been calibrated in energy,
the horizontal axis range is also given in keV.

21

Cursor position
The next data group from the left, cursor data, lists the current cursor location on theactive spectrum in counts, channels, and keV (if calibrated).
The text box displaying the horizontal location in keV may also be used as a data entry
box to assign an energy value to the current cursor location in the energy calibration.
The data entry mode is entered by clicking the keV text box. The desired energy canthen be entered, and, after [Enter] has been pressed, the energy calibration will be
updated by adding the new channel-keV data point to the existing energy calibration.

Region of interest (ROI)
When the spectrum cursor is positioned in a defined ROI the measurements of the
ROI will be displayed in the ROI data group below the spectrum. See the region ofinterest operation section (see page 26). The information includes the summed
counts, centroid, and full-width-at-half-maximum (FWHM) of the peak. Whether abackground is subtracted or not from the ROI is controlled from the Spectra tab of
the ribbon menu at the top of the screen.
The text box listing the Centroid in keV may also be used as a data entry box to assign
an energy value to the current centroid channel location in the energy calibration, ina similar way to using the cursor position text box. Left click the keV text box and thedesired energy can then be entered, and, after [Enter] has been pressed, the energy
calibration will be updated by adding the new channel-keV data point to the existingenergy calibration.

Active device
For the active device or measurement thumbnail the active device box shows the typeof the detector used to record the data, the serial number of that device, the Lower
Level Discriminator (LLD) setting, and the setting of the Software Cut-Off (SCO).

22

Monitor Traces
Note: This functionality is not present in KSpect
When the ‘Monitors‘ tab is clicked above the plot area the count rate monitor traces
are displayed for all the connected detectors. Each trace allows changes in the countrate recorded from the detector to be seen over time. Monitor traces are only
updated during acquisition and are not dead time corrected. Press the ‘Acquire’
button located on the ‘Acquisition’ menu to begin acquisition. Moving the mousepointer over the monitor trace displays a cursor and an information box showing thecount rate and the time at that point on the trace.
Note: MultiSpect Analysis reads data from the detectors via USB. Depending on thecomputer being used to run MultiSpect Analysis buffering of USB data can causedelays in receiving data from the detector and add noise on monitor traces with shortaggregation times. This will become more pronounced if the computer is runningmany processor heavy tasks or has insufficient free resources.
By default each detector has one monitor showing the total count rate from all energy
channels, although different energy ranges can be configured manually. This is usefulfor monitoring the count rate in one particular gamma ray peak for example.
Monitors for neutron detectors only show the total counts detected. Monitor traces
are automatically saved against each detector serial number so the next time thedetector is connected the previously configured monitor traces are displayed again.

The time period being viewed can be chosen by using the drop down menu locatedon the ‘Monitors’ menu. For each time period 121 data points are shown. The time
periods available are:23

Time Period Shown
2 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour4 hours
12 hours
1 day

Data aggregated over1 second
15 seconds
30 seconds
2 minutes
6 minutes
12 minutes

Individual monitor traces can be removed by using the red cross on each trace. All
monitors from a detector can be hidden by clicking on the ‘hide’ icon on the detector
thumbnail which also hides the spectra on the ‘Spectra’ tab.

Adding a new monitor
New monitor traces can be added by first selecting the detector thumbnail and thenclicking the ‘Add monitor’ button located on the ‘Monitors’ menu. This will bring up
the ‘Rate Monitor Settings’ window

A name should be given for the monitor for identification. The filters can be used sothat only the aggregated counts from a particular region of the spectrum are plottedin the monitor trace.

Editing the monitor settings
The settings for a particular monitor trace can be viewed and edited by clicking the‘settings’ button on the monitor trace, or by right clicking on the trace and choosing‘settings’ from the menu. The ‘Rate Monitor Settings’ dialog is displayed from which
the name can be changed and the energy range or channel range used in the monitor

24

can be edited. Changes made to the monitor take effect from then on; old data is notrecalculated to show it on the same basis.

Saving and exporting the monitor data
Monitor data cannot be saved in the measurement database. It can be exported to a
.csv file to preserve a record of the data. Press the export button on the monitor trace
to save the data for the time period being viewed.
Exported data has a header section showing the settings for the monitor. The data isin rows with a row for each time period. Each row has a time stamp, the total counts
recorded in that period, and the total real time the detector was acquiring data duringthat time period. The count rate can be recalculated by dividing the total counts by
the real time.

Clearing the monitor data
All the data for a particular monitor can be cleared by pressing the ‘clear’ button on
the monitor trace, or from the right-click menu. This will permanently erase the data.

File Operations
Spectrum load
Opening a spectrum directly from a file can be done from the "File" menu by choosing"Open a file", or by dragging and dropping a spectrum file into the main window.

Spectrum saveComplete measurements comprising the spectrum, energy calibration and all analysis
are saved in a database of measurements, from where they can be exported if
required. A measurement can be saved to the database by first selecting the
thumbnail and then either selecting "Save measurement" from the "File" menu, bypressing the save icon on the thumbnail, or by pressing the [F3] key. On first saving
the measurement the user will be asked to provide details including a name and notesthat are needed for finding the measurement in the database. These can be edited
later if required. For details of working with the database please see the databasesection of this help file.

25

Copy spectrum
Spectrum data can be copied to a new thumbnail by right clicking the existing
thumbnail and selecting "Copy". This is particularly useful for storing acquired data
and using it for comparison.

Reports
The spectrum and analysis results can be presented together in a convenient report.
This is exported in .pdf format for ease of sharing. The ‘Generate Report’ button is
located on the ‘Reports’ menu. The report options will be displayed for choosing
which information should be shown on the report.
The units of measurement used in the report can be configured between SI and US
standard units from the ‘Preferences’ screen which is accessible from the ‘File’ menu.

Printing
A snapshot of the KSpect or MultiSpect Analysis window can be printed by selecting‘Print’ from the ‘File’ menu. This then brings up a standard Windows print dialog fromwhich a specific printer along with its associated properties can be selected. After thisselection has been made, the snapshot of the window can be sent to the printer byclicking on the ‘OK’ or ‘Print’ button of this print dialog window. Prior to printing, theprint settings can be adjusted by selecting ‘Print settings’. The snapshot can also be
previewed by selecting ‘Print preview’.

Region of Interest (ROI) Operations
When a ROI is defined about a peak in a spectrum, and the cursor is placed within this
ROI, the ROI data in the spectrum data box displayed beneath the spectrum provides
the counts, centroid, and FWHM values associated with the peak.
The integral counts value is simply the sum of all the counts within the ROI, whereas
the net counts number is this same sum reduced by the background counts. The
background is assumed to be a line determined based on the data points at the startand end of the ROI. If the background subtraction has been turned off from the‘Spectra’ tab of the ribbon menu the integral and net counts will be the same. The
centroid and FWHM values are given in number of channels and, if a valid energy
calibration exists in keV. The centroid and FWHM calculation is performed on the net
counts if background subtraction is turned on, or the integral counts if it is turned off.
Each spectrum has its own set of defined ROIs and only those of the active spectrum
will be displayed. A ROI is indicated on a spectrum using colour shading. ROIs are only
displayed when the ROIs are turned on. This state is toggled between on and off by26

the ‘ROI show/hide’ button. This state can also be toggled by right-clicking the mousewhen the pointer is over the spectrum display and then selecting ‘ROI on/off’ fromthe menu. The display of ROIs is also turned on if a ROI definition is started.

Defining a region of interest (ROI)
ROIs can be defined using several different methods, but each of the methods makes
use of the spectrum cursor to specify the start and stop channel of the ROI. The
function key buttons ‘ROI start’, ‘ROI stop’, and ‘ROI clear’ can be used to define orremove a ROI. With the cursor positioned at the start channel of the desired ROI,
clicking on ‘ROI start’ or pressing the [F8] function key starts the ROI definition. The
text of the button then changes to ‘ROI stop’. The ROI definition is then completed bymoving the cursor to the end channel of the ROI and then clicking on ‘ROI stop’ orpressing the [F8] function key again. A ROI can be removed by positioning the cursor
within the ROI and then clicking on ‘ROI clear’ or pressing [F9]. Similarly, ROI definitionand clearing operations can be accessed through the menu that is activated by rightclicking the mouse when the pointer is over the spectrum display. A quick method todefine ROIs is to hold down the shift key while left-clicking with the mouse on thestart channel of the ROI. The ROI definition is completed by again holding down theshift key while clicking on the stop channel of the ROI.

Region of interest calculations
The Integral Counts value is simply the sum of all the counts within the ROI and is
calculated as follows:Integral Counts =ROIstop',ROIstart(

Where Cn is the number of counts in channel number n, and ROIstart and ROIstop are
the channel number limits of the ROI.
The Net Counts number is the Integral Counts less the Background Counts. The
background Bn is assumed to be a straight line determined from the data points atthe start and end of the ROI.
The Net Counts values are calculated as follows:

Net Counts =ROIstop',ROIstart

( −.

27

The Centroid in units of channel number is calculated from the backgroundsubtracted count data using the equation:
Centroid =∑ROIstop,ROIstart 2 ( − .
∑ROIstop,ROIstart ( − .

The FWHM in units of channel number is determined using the following procedure:(1) The background is subtracted from the count data.
(2) The channel containing the maximum counts, Cmax, is determined through asimple search.
(3) Starting from this maximum-counts channel, the lower channel numbers aresearched for a pair of adjacent channels whose counts straddle a counts value ofCmax/2.
(4) The lower half-maximum channel value is then calculated from these twostraddle points through linear interpolation.
(5) In a similar manner, the upper half-maximum channel value is determinedthrough a search of the higher channel numbers starting at the maximum-counts
channel followed by a linear interpolation calculation using the data points thatstraddle a counts value of Cmax/2.
(6) Finally, the FWHM is calculated by subtracting the lower half-maximum channel
value from the upper half-maximum one.
If an energy calibration has been completed for the active spectrum, the Centroid and
FWHM values in channels are converted to energy in keV using the energy calibration.

Summing Spectra
Note: This functionality is not present in KSpect

Summing multiple spectra
MultiSpect Analysis provides a sum function that can sum the channel events counts
from multiple spectra. The results of the sum are displayed in an additional spectrum,
known as an aggregate spectrum.
This is only available in energy display mode (see page 14) where only spectra withvalid energy calibrations are displayed and available for aggregation. Aggregate
spectra are not displayed in channels display mode.

28

You can create a new aggregate spectrum by clicking on the ‘Create’ button
located on the ‘Analysis’ menu. MultiSpect creates a new aggregate spectrum
thumbnail, distinguished by a ‘sum’ symbol (sigma character) in the left-most buttonon the thumbnail:To select the spectra to be summed, click on the ‘sum’ buttonin the thumbnail
toolbar. This displays a window showing all the spectra that can be summed. Valid
spectra include detector and file spectra with valid energy calibrations. Tick thecheckboxes next to the spectra you want to sum:If you reset the calibration of a spectrum that is being used as the input to a sum, thatspectrum is automatically removed from the sum because only calibrated spectra canbe summed.

Saving an aggregate spectrum
An aggregate spectrum can be saved just like any other spectrum. When an aggregate
spectrum is saved, a copy of each input spectrum is also saved.

Loading an aggregate spectrum
When an aggregate spectrum is loaded from a file, a spectrum is also created for eachof the spectra that were inputs to the aggregation when the aggregate spectrum was
saved. Clicking on the "sum" button on the thumbnail’s toolbar opens a tool windowthat allows you to select which spectra act as inputs to the sum in the aggregate
spectrum.

29

Measurement Database
To allow a spectrum to be saved with the analysis and other associated data such as
locations, KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis use a database for storing complete
measurements. This provides a single location for organizing measurements and allmeasurements can be backed up collectively. All users logging on to a particular PC
share the same database with all measurements accessible to everyone.
The database can be opened from the ‘File’ menu by selecting ‘Measurement
Database’, or from the shortcut at the top.

Loading a measurement
Select the measurement in the database window and press the ‘Load’ button.

Saving a measurement
After selecting a spectrum thumbnail the measurement can be saved to the databaseeither from the ‘File’ menu by selecting ‘Save Measurement’, by pressing the saveicon on the thumbnail, or by right clicking the thumbnail and selecting ‘Savemeasurement’. On first saving the measurement the user will be asked to provide
details including a name and notes which are needed for finding the measurement in
the database. These can be edited later if required.

30

Importing spectra to the database
Pressing the import button allows existing .spe spectrum files to be imported to the
database. Many .spe files can be imported at the same time by selecting multiple files
in the file browser dialog box.

Editing measurement information
Measurement information can be edited by first selecting the measurement and thenselecting ‘Edit information’ from the toolbar buttons at the top.

Importing measurements from a Kromek device
Note: This functionality is not present in KSpect
MultiSpect Analysis can synchronize data with some Kromek devices, such as theRayMon handheld radiation monitor. Connect the Kromek device to the PC running
MultiSpect Analysis with a USB cable.
The first time the device is connected drivers will be downloaded and installed fromthe internet. If you do not have an internet connection on the PC running MultiSpect
Analysis please download the following software and drivers from the Microsoft
website on another PC and install them on the PC running MultiSpect Analysis. Whenthe software drivers are successfully installed the Kromek device will appear in
Windows Explorer under the ‘Computer’ heading.
•Windows XP users: Microsoft ActiveSync 4.5 or later•

Windows 7 and 8 users: Windows Mobile Device Centre 6.1 or later

After connecting the device press ‘Import From Device’ at the top of the‘Measurement Database’ window to display the ‘Device Import’ window listing all themeasurements stored on the device.

31Select the measurements to import by ticking the checkboxes next to themeasurements.
Pressing ‘Import selected’ imports all the selected measurements.
The ‘Select’ menu at the top of the window allows different selections to be made:•Select all measurements on the device•

Clear all the selections so none are selected•

Select all new measurements not previously imported (shaded green)•

Select measurements that have been modified on the device since they werelast imported (shaded blue)•

Select all new and modified measurements

To delete the selected measurements from the device after import tick the checkbox‘delete from device after import’.
To delete measurements from the device without importing select themeasurements and click ‘Delete Selected’.

Finding measurements
The filters on the left of the measurements database window allow searching forparticular spectra within the database. These allow searching by:•

Date spectrum recorded•

Date measurement was last edited

•

Name

•

Detector serial number•

Detector Type•The device type used to capture the data from the detector, e.g. a PC•

The serial number of the capture device•

Contents of the notes associated with the spectrum

Completing any of the filters automatically filters out all the non-matchingmeasurements in the database. To return the filters to their default values press the‘Reset’ button.

Exporting Data
Gamma ray spectra can be exported to .spe, .n42 or .txt file by selecting themeasurement and pressing the ‘Export’ button.
Neutron data can be exported to a .neutron file by selecting the measurement andpressing the ‘Export’ button.

32

Settings
The settings button brings up a menu allowing the default time period for displayedmeasurements when the database is first viewed to be configured. This value should
be reduced if the database is slow to load. Which columns are visible can also be
configured from this menu.

Backup
The complete database of measurements can be backed up to a single file from the‘File’ menu by selecting ‘Backup database’.

Restore
To restore a database select ‘Restore Database’ from the ‘File’ menu and choose
which backup file to restore. All data in the existing database will be lost when aprevious database is restored. Administrator privileges are required for restoring thedatabase. If the user is not an administrator they will be prompted to enter theusername and password of an administrator.

Reset
The database can be reset to a blank default database from the ‘Database Settings’
dialogue window. This is opened from ‘File’ → ‘Database’ → ‘DB SeTngs’ and thereset option is found on the ‘Admin’ menu. Administrator privileges are required forthe reset; if the user is not an administrator they will be prompted to enter theusername and password of an administrator.

33

Spectrum Peak Analysis
MultiSpect Analysis has powerful features built in to automatically analyse peaks
from radiation source energy lines. Note: these features are not available in KSpect.
After selecting which radiation sources may be in the spectrum and MultiSpect
Analysis automatically analyses a suitable region of interest around each energy line
and tells you whether a significant peak exists at each energy.
Note: analysis is only available in energy display mode. The analysis features operateon the active spectrum. The analysis updates automatically while data is being
acquired.

Enabling peak analysis
Peak Analysis is only available after moving to energy mode. Click the ‘Energy Mode’button on the analysis toolbar.

Configuring peak analysis
Analysis is configured in the ‘Peak Analysis Nuclides’ and ‘Peak Analysis Options’windows. In these windows you can:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

34

Select which radiation sources you expect may be present in the spectrum
Filter the energy lines of the radiation sources so only the important energylines are analysed
Create your own categories and add radiation sources to them, so that you
can find and include your ‘favourite’ sources quickly
Change the analysis parameters
Look up radiation source energy lines by energy and relative intensity

The peak analysis nuclides window

Choosing radiation sources
MultiSpect Analysis has a library of all the common radiation sources and theirsignificant energy lines. The upper tree shows the radiation sources grouped by ANSI
category. The less common sources do not belong to an ANSI category, and aregrouped under the ‘(Uncategorised)’ heading. A few sources belong to more than one
ANSI category, and so appear more than once in the tree.
The ‘Search’ box makes it easy to find a radiation source. Enter the full nuclide name,such as ‘Co-60’, or just the first few characters of the name. Clear the search box andget back to the full tree by clicking on the

button.

Click on the checkbox beside the name of the radiation source to add it to the analysis.
Click on the checkbox again to remove the radiation source from the analysis.
Choosing energy lines
The lower tree shows the selected radiation sources, each with its energy lines. Eachenergy line has a relative intensity. This shows the intensity of the energy line relative
to the other energy lines of the same radiation source, such that the sum of therelative intensities of all the included energy lines of a radiation source is 100%.
Note: some energy lines may not appear in the list. Energy lines outside a
configurable energy window, or below a specified minimum relative intensity, arehidden when the filter button at the top of the window is enabled, and displayed ingrey when the filter is disabled. The energy window and minimum relative intensity
are set in the analysis configuration options window.

35

User-defined radiation source categories
Custom categories can be created and radionuclides added to them. This makes it
easy to find the radiation sources frequently used. Unlike the other information in
the analysis configuration form, which is saved in an analysis configuration file, theuser-defined categories are saved in the MultiSpect Analysis application preferences
and apply to all analysis configurations.
To create a new category, either click on the
button or right-click on any existing
category to display the context menu and then click on ‘Add new category...’. The
new category is added to the tree. Enter a name for the category. The name must be
different from the existing categories. Rename or delete the category by right-clicking
on it and choosing ‘Rename’ or ‘Delete’ from the context menu. Note: you can’t
rename or delete the default ANSI categories.
To add a radiation source to a user-defined category, right-click on the radiation
source in the tree. The context menu shows the list of user-defined categories, witha tick beside each one that the radiation source already belongs to. Click on a category
in the context menu to add the radiation source to or remove it from the category.

36

Peak analysis configuration options

Minimum intensity: energy lines with a relative intensity less than this level can be
hidden using filter buttons on other windows.
Energy: energy lines with an energy outside this range can be hidden using filter
buttons on other windows.
Upper and lower background window: the energy span outside either end of thepeak-region that is sampled for the background. The background is calculated byfitting a straight line through the background channels. Where data is not in 1keV bins
the number shown in brackets displays the actual energy range being used.
Second proportion of max: the analysis results table shows the full-width at halfmaximum (FWHM) for each detected peak, and another full-width at this proportionof maximum. For example, if this value is set to 0.1, the second full-width is the fullwidth at one-tenth of maximum. The full-width ratio shown in the analysis results
table is this width divided by the full-width at half-maximum.
Peak ROI width factor: defines the percentage of peak events that are covered by theregion of interest based on the resolution function of the detector with respect toenergy.
Critical limit: the analysis uses a Critical Limit test to determine whether a significant
peak exists at the energy. This value sets the confidence level for the Critical Limit
calculation.
Confidence limits: the analysis calculates upper and lower confidence limits for the
net counts in a peak, and, if an efficiency calibration is present, the source activities.
This value sets the confidence level for the confidence limit calculation.

37

Minimum and maximum half-life: A range of half-lives can be specified and only
energy lines from radiation sources that fall within this window are analysed.

Peak area and FWHM analysis results
The ‘Peak Analysis Table’ is displayed when the “Results” menu button is clicked. View
the ‘Peak Area’ tab to see the measurements of peak areas and full widths at half
maxima (FWHM).

The analysis results are colour coded for ease of interpretation as follows:•

Green: the spectrum has a peak in the same energy region above the levelof statistical confidence specified in the analysis configuration options; thecritical limit test has been passed.

•

Blue: the spectrum fails the critical limit test in this region.

•

Red: lines that have been excluded from analysis because they fall outside
the conditions specified in the analysis configuration options

The shading within each colour indicates the relative intensity of the line. For example
a dark blue is a line with a high relative intensity where the critical limit test has been
failed.
The table shows a list of all the energy lines included in the analysis. Column headings
can be clicked to sort the data.

38

•

Source: the radiation source of the energy line.

•

Energy: the energy of the energy line in keV.

•Centroid: the centroid of the region in keV. If a background line could bedetermined, this is the centroid of the net count, else of the gross count.

•

Gross count: the total of all counts in the region of interest.

•

Net count: the gross counts less the counts below the straight line
connecting the average counts in the left-hand background window of theregion of interest with the average counts in the right-hand backgroundwindow.

•

Upper and lower confidence: the Confidence Limits for the net count in thepeak, to the configured confidence level (see above). This defines the range
containing the true (rather than measured) number of events due to theenergy line, to the configured level of confidence.

•

FWHM: full-width at half of maximum in keV. The width of the peak (netcounts only) at half the maximum net counts in the peak.

•

FWnM: full-width at n of maximum in keV. The width of the peak (net counts
only) at the configured "second full width proportion of maximum" of the
maximum net counts in the peak.

•

FW ratio: the ratio of FWnM to FWHM.

The buttons on the top bar perform the following operations:
Filter energy lines above the critical limit and associated nuclide lines:
with is enabled the analysis table only shows radionuclides where atleast one line has passed the critical limit test.
Filter relative intensity: when enabled emission lines that fall below thespecified minimum intensity are hidden from the analysis results table.
Filter energy range: when enabled emission lines that fall outside thespecified energy window are hidden from the results table.
Filter half-life: If enabled emission lines from radionuclides with half
lives outside the specified range are hidden from the results table.
Analysis results can be exported by selecting ‘Export…’ from the top of the PeakAnalysis Table. The exported data contains additional columns, such as the criticallimit used to test for the presence of a peak.

Activity from peak areas
Note: This functionality is only present in MultiSpect Analysis Premium
After determining the efficiency calibration curve of the system, see the calibration
section on page 17, the activity of a source of can be measured from the net counts
in its spectrum peaks. The sample must be positioned in the geometry matching theefficiency curve, and the Peak ROI width factor for the analysis must be the same.
Simply acquire a spectrum from the source in the geometry of the efficiency curveand perform a Spectrum Peak Analysis (see page 34) to measure the photo-peaks in39

the spectrum. On the ‘Peak Analysis Table’ click the ‘Peak Activity’ tab to view theresults of the analysis in terms of activity using the efficiency curve loaded in‘Detector Settings’. Only peaks that have passed the critical limit test where a net
count rate has been measured are analysed for activity. The units of measurement
can be changed between SI and US Standard from the ‘Preferences’ screen accessedfrom the main ‘File’ menu.
The efficiency curve can be viewed by pressing ‘View Efficiency Calibration…’ above
the results table, and a new calibration loaded if necessary. If no efficiency curve ispresent no results will be displayed.

Each emission line analysed gives a separate measure of the activity of the sample.
The upper and lower confidence values are calculated using the error from the fit to
the efficiency calibration points, the error in the net counts measured from thespectrum, and the ‘confidence limits’ chosen by the user in ‘Peak Analysis Options’,
e.g. 1σ/68%.
Activity results can be included in .pdf reports (see page 26). They can also beexported to a .csv file by using the ‘export…’ button above the results table. Whenthe measurement is saved in the database the complete configuration is saved withthe measurement allowing the same analysis to be recalled at a later date.

Graphical display of analysis

40

When analysis is enabled, the graphical display shows the regions of interest of thepeaks being analysed. Each energy line in the analysis is shown with:•

A vertical dotted line at the energy of the energy line. This line is strongly
dashed if a peak was detected. Otherwise it is lightly dotted.

•

Text beside the peak, with the nuclide name, energy line energy and userentered comment.

•

Vertical dashed lines at the right and left boundaries of the region of interest.

•

Shading of the region of interest under the spectrum trace.

•

Darker shading below the background level in the region of interest.

All the energy lines of a radiation source are shown in one colour. The energy lines ofdifferent radiation sources are shown in different colours.
If a peak was detected in the region of interest, the graphical display of the energyline is shown brightly. Otherwise it is shown dimly, unless you hover the mouse overan element of the energy line (the centre energy line, a region of interest bounds line,or the text).
The filters on the “Analysis” menu bar can be used to control what analysis
information is displayed on the graph.

Show/hide all ROI lines: pressing this shows/hides the dashed lines
marking the limits of the region of interest for each radionuclide linefrom the graph.
Show/hide all text: pressing this shows/hides text labels on the graph.
They are still displayed when the mouse is hovered over the peak centre
markers.

User-entered comments
Comments can be added or edited by right-clicking on the energy line in the graphicalspectrum display and choosing ‘Edit text’ in the menu.

Saving and loading the analysis configuration
The analysis configuration will be saved with the spectrum in the database andrecalled the next time the measurement is opened.
If the analysis configuration will be used frequently it can be added to the list of
favourite configurations allowing it to be quickly applied to any spectrum.

41

42

•

Save favourite configuration: After setting up the analysis click on ’Save as
favourite...’ in the favourites menu above the radionuclide selection tree andname the configuration to add it to the list of favourites.

•

Apply favourite configuration: An existing favourite can be applied to aspectrum by selecting it from the drop down list above the radionuclide tree.

•

Organise Favourites: Favourite configurations can be managed by selecting"Organise favourites..."•Choose default favourite configuration: After selecting a favourite select‘Set Default’ to make this the default configuration for future
measurements.

•

Rename favourite configuration: The name of the favourite can be changed
by selecting it and pressing ‘Rename’.

•

Delete favourite configuration: To remove a favourite configuration selectit and click the ‘Remove’ button.

•

Export/Import favourite configuration: A favourite configuration can beexported to a .msa file so it can be saved and transferred to other MultiSpect
Analysis installations. To export select the configuration and click the‘Export’ button. To import a .msa file click ‘Import’ and navigate to the file.

Simplified Activity Analysis in MultiSpect
Note: Quant for GR1 users need to apply an enhanced MultiSpect Analysis Premium
software licence to enable these activity features.
Activity analysis quantifies the radioactivity of a sample from its gamma ray spectrum
which must be recorded in a pre-defined geometry using the Quant for GR1
accessories. The efficiency values used for the analysis are provided in the software,removing the need for the user to characterise the system. If required, the efficiency
values can be updated by the user after calibration.
After selecting which radiation sources may be present and sample type in themeasurement, MultiSpect Analysis calculates the quantity of each radionuclide. The
analysis features operate on the selected spectrum and the analysis updates
automatically while data is being acquired. Activity analysis is only available in energy
display mode.
Disclaimer: When using the provided efficiency values the activity results will becompromised if the sample or geometry deviates from the ideal case. The user is
responsible for qualifying the system and ensuring the results are appropriate for
their needs.

Starting activity analysis

After or while acquiring a spectrum switch to energy mode by clicking on the ‘Energy
mode’.

Configuring activity analysis
Activity analysis is configured from the ‘Activity Analysis Options’ window and the‘Activity Analysis Nuclides’ window. The units of measurement can be changed
between SI and US Standard from the ‘Preferences’ screen which can be accessedfrom the main ‘File’ menu.

43Choosing radiation sources
MultiSpect Analysis will analyse the sample for common radiation sources. The‘Activity Analysis Nuclides’ tree shows the radiation sources grouped by ANSI
category that are available for analysis. Click on the checkbox beside the name of theradiation source to add it to the analysis. Click on the checkbox again to remove theradiation source from the analysis. The ‘Search’ box makes it easy to find a radiation
source. Enter the full nuclide name, such as ‘Co-60’, or just the first few characters of
the name. Clear the search box and get back to the full tree by clicking on the
button.

User-defined radiation source categories
Custom categories can be created and radionuclides added to them. This makes it
easy to find the radiation sources frequently used. Unlike the other information in
the analysis configuration form, which is saved in an analysis configuration file, theuser-defined categories are saved in the MultiSpect Analysis application preferences
and apply to all analysis configurations.
To create a new category, either click on the
button or right-click on any existing
category to display the context menu and then click on ‘Add new category...’. The
new category is added to the tree. Enter a name for the category. The name must be
different from the existing categories. Rename or delete the category by right-clicking
on it and choosing ‘Rename’ or ‘Delete’ from the context menu. Note: you can’t
rename or delete the default ANSI categories.
To add a radiation source to a user-defined category, right-click on the radiation
source in the tree. The context menu shows the list of user-defined categories, witha tick beside each one that the radiation source already belongs to. Click on a category
in the context menu to add the radiation source to or remove it from the category.

44

Analysis configuration options

These parameters configure the analysis:•

Upper and lower background windows: The background under a peak in the
spectrum has to be removed before activity can be calculated. The
background is calculated from the counts just outside the peak region; thesesettings change the energy range used in this calculation.

•

Peak ROI width factor: This defines the percentage of the peak area that isincluded in the calculations. A wider region of interest will give a moreaccurate result, but will be more susceptible to interference fromradionuclides with peaks in a similar region of the spectrum.

•

Confidence level for critical limit: The analysis uses a critical limit test to
determine whether a significant peak exists or not. This value sets theconfidence level for this critical limit test calculation.

•

Confidence level for quoted uncertainty: the analysis calculates theuncertainty in the calculated activity. This value sets the confidence level
used in calculating the uncertainty.

45

•Sample type: The type of sample being analysed affects the geometry of themeasurement and needs to be taken into account in the calculation of theactivity. Select one of the options for the type of sample being measured:o Maypack (Charcoal) for standard Maypack charcoal filters
o Filter for filter papers
o Maypack (Charcoal) and Filter for a combined measurement ofMaypack charcoal and filter papero Beaker is for a standardised beaker filled with material. If thisoption is selected additional parameters are required for thevolume and weight. The material is assumed to be uniformly
distributed in the beaker, with a density matching water, and withnegligible self-absorption of radiation.
o Calibration Source is for use with the standard calibration source.
Calibration source = QCRB19952 NG3 mix from HTSL (HighTechnology Sources Ltd)o Raymon Filter for analysis of data imported from a RayMon
handheld detector using the RayMon Quant accessories.
o Raymon Beaker for analysis of data imported from a RayMon
handheld detector using the RayMon Quant accessories.

Results

The ‘Activity analysis table’ shows the results of the activity analysis. Column headings
can be clicked to sort the data. The ‘Export’ button allows the results to be saved in.csv format.
Columns show:

46•

Source: The radionuclide that has been analysed•

Result: The calculated activity of the radionuclide•

Uncertainty: The uncertainty in calculated activity•

MDA: The minimum detectable activity for the radionuclide in themeasurement. This provides an upper limit on the activity where it has notbeen possible to quantify the radionuclide.

Saving and loading the analysis configuration
The analysis configuration will be saved with the spectrum in the database andrecalled the next time the measurement is opened.
If the analysis configuration will be used frequently it can be added to the list of
favourite configurations allowing it to be quickly applied to any spectrum.

•

Save a favourite configuration: After setting up the analysis click on ‘Save as
Favourite’ in the favourites menu above the radionuclide selection tree andname the configuration to add it to the list of favourites.

•

Apply favourite configuration: An existing favourite can be applied to aspectrum by selecting it from the top of the drop down list above theradionuclide tree.

•

Organise Favourites: Favourite configurations can be managed by selecting‘Organise Favourites’.

•

Choose default favourite configuration: After selecting a favourite select‘Default’ to make this the default configuration for future measurements.

•

Rename favourite configuration: The name of the favourite can be changed
by selecting it and pressing ‘Rename’.

47•Delete favourite configuration: To remove a favourite configuration selectit and click the ‘Delete’ button.

Calibration of simplified activity
Specific efficiency values, ke, used in this simplified activity analysis for eachradionuclide can be updated from user acquired absolute efficiency curves. These
must already have been recorded with a “Peak ROI Width Factor” of 95.45%. Pleasesee page 17 for creating this calibration curve.
From the ‘Setup menu’ select ‘Radionuclide Efficiency Values’.

This will open a window allowing the values used in the efficiency analysis to be
updated. First select the geometry and then select the efficiency curve to use forcalculating the new values. Calculated ke values, which are the efficiency values
adjusted for the probability of emission of the radionuclide emission line, aredisplayed in the table. To accept these new values press the ‘Apply’ button.

To revert back to the pre-determined values from Kromek select the ‘Kromek
Default Values’ in the efficiency drop down box. Changes to these ke values willaffect all measurements, including historic measurements in the database. Notethat in this simplified activity calculation the errors on the fit to the efficiency curve
are not taken into account in calculating the errors on the final activity.

48

Scripting
KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis provide the ability to automate various operations
through a scripting system. This scripting capability is accessed by selecting ‘Script
Window’ under the ‘File’ menu. From this window, scripts can be loaded, edited,
saved, compiled, and executed. The scripts must be written in the C# language(Microsoft Visual C# 2005) and must follow the form given in the examples below.
Control of the software is provided through the properties and methods described in
the help on the scripting window of KSpect and MultiSpect Analysis. Please refer tothis help file for the full list of properties and methods.

Example: repeat measurements with a single detector
namespace USBSpect{public class Script : ScriptInterfaces.IScriptScript{
ScriptInterfaces.IScriptHost pspect;public void InitializeScript(ScriptInterfaces.IScriptHost hostObject){
pspect=hostObject;}public void PSpectScript(){// Number of times to repeat acquisition
const int totalPasses = 10;// Choose a file name stem which will be appended by the repeat number
const string saveFileStem = "Measurement";//Set measurement live time in seconds
pspect.setLiveTime(30);for (int p = 0; p < totalPasses; ++p){
pspect.eraseActiveSpectrum();
pspect.startAcquisition();pspect.waitForAcquisitionStop();string fileName = string.Format("{0}_{1}", saveFileStem, p + 1);
pspect.saveActiveSpectrum(fileName);
}
}
}
}

49

Example: repeat measurements with multiple detectors

namespace USBSpect{public class Script : ScriptInterfaces.IScriptScript{
ScriptInterfaces.IScriptHost pspect;public void InitializeScript(ScriptInterfaces.IScriptHost hostObject){
pspect=hostObject;}public void PSpectScript(){// The serial numbers of each of the detectors
string[] detectorSerialNumbers = new string[] {"Serial 1", "Serial 2"};// Number of times to repeat acquisition
const int totalPasses = 5;// Choose a file name stem which will be appended by the repeat number
const string saveFileStem = "Measurement";// Set measurement live time in seconds
pspect.setLiveTime(60);for (int p = 0; p < totalPasses; ++p){
foreach (string det in detectorSerialNumbers){
pspect.setActiveSpectrum(det);
pspect.eraseActiveSpectrum();}
pspect.startAcquisition();pspect.waitForAcquisitionStop();foreach (string det in detectorSerialNumbers){
pspect.setActiveSpectrum(det);
string fileName = string.Format("{0}_{1}", saveFileStem, p + 1);
pspect.saveActiveSpectrum(fileName);
}
}
}
}
}

50

Execution at start up
A script can be run automatically when the software is started by adding the script
file specification as a command line argument when executing the application. For
example, the following will run KSpect/MultiSpect and then load and run the script
ExampleKSpectScript.cs located in the root directory of the C: drive.
1.
2.
3.

Select Run from the Start menu.
At the Open: prompt enter (include the quotation marks): “C:\Program
Files\Kromek\Multispect\Multi-spect.exe” “C:\ExampleKSpectScript.cs”
Click the OK button to run the command.

51

IndexAcquiring data.......................................... 11
Activity Analysis
After efficiency calibration .................. 39
Simplified ............................................. 43
Activity calibration source ....................... 46
Auto-repeats ............................................ 11
Backup ..................................................... 33
Beaker ...................................................... 46
Calibration
Efficiency.............................................. 17
Energy .................................................. 15
Resolution ............................................ 21
Simplified Activity ................................ 48
Centroid ............................................. 28, 39
Confidence level ................................ 37, 45
Copy ......................................................... 26
Count rate ................................................ 21
Critical limit ...................................37, 39, 45
Cursor ................................................ 12, 22
Database .................................................. 30
Backup ................................................. 33
Export .................................................. 32
Filters ................................................... 32
Import .................................................. 31
Load ..................................................... 30
Restore................................................. 33
Save...................................................... 30
Settings ................................................ 33
Dead time .......................................... 20, 21
Detectors
Acquiring data...................................... 11
Connecting ............................................. 9
Dead time ............................................ 20
Energy calibration ................................ 15
Resolution ............................................ 21
Selecting (KSpect) ................................ 10
Serial numbers ....................................... 9
Device import .......................................... 31
Efficiency Calibration ............................... 17
Copy ..................................................... 19
Load ..................................................... 19
Save...................................................... 19
Energy calibration .................................... 15
Energy display mode................................ 14
Favourites .......................................... 42, 47
FileLoad ..................................................... 25
Save...................................................... 25
Filter Papers ............................................. 46

52

FW ratio ................................................... 39
FWHM .............................. 22, 26, 28, 37, 39
FWnM ...................................................... 39
Gross counts ...................................... 27, 39
Half-life..................................................... 38
Horizontal axis.......................................... 14
Installation ................................................. 6
Licensing
Activating ............................................... 7
Moving ................................................... 7
Upgrading............................................... 7
Live time ............................................. 20, 21
Lower level discriminator (LLD)................ 20
Maypack ................................................... 46
Measurement information ................ 13, 31
Minimum detectable activity (MDA) ....... 46
Monitors .................................................. 23
Adding .................................................. 24
Clear data ............................................. 25
Edit settings.......................................... 24
Save and Export ................................... 25
Multi-channel analyzer (MCA) ................. 20
Net counts .......................................... 27, 39
Neutron counts ........................................ 21
Overflow bin suppression ........................ 12
Peak analysis ............................................ 34
Configuration ....................................... 34
Radionuclide library ............................. 35
Results .................................................. 38
Peak comments ........................................ 41
Polarity ..................................................... 20
Premium Edition ........................................ 6
Printing ..................................................... 26
Real time .................................................. 21
Region of interest (ROI) ..................... 22, 26
Centroid ............................................... 28
Defining ................................................ 27
Gross counts......................................... 27
Net counts ............................................ 27
Repeat measurements ....................... 49, 50
Reports ..................................................... 26
Resolution calibration .............................. 21
Saving ....................................................... 30
Scale ranges ............................................. 21
Scripting ................................................... 49
Serial numbers ........................................... 9
Software cut off ....................................... 20
Software updates ....................................... 6
SpectrumClear ..................................................... 11
Colour .................................................. 15
Copy ..................................................... 26
Summing .................................................. 28
Thumbnails .............................................. 12
Aggregate............................................. 29
Buttons ................................................ 13

Copy ..................................................... 13
Time Limit ................................................ 11
Live time ............................................... 11
Real time .............................................. 11
Vertical scale ............................................ 14
Zooming ................................................... 14

53

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55

For after-sales and customer service enquiries
please use the following contacts:
T: +44 (0) 1740 626060 F: +44 (0) 1740 626061
E: service@kromek.com W: www.kromek.com

MAL-OPS-0895 Rev 8.0 (A4)56