The “Save calculation parameters” option collects all current parameters (selected detector, container, geometry, source, energies, REC data and calculation precision) and saves it to a file. This is convenient in many cases, such as: when calculations will not be performed immediately, for preparing the calculations which will be performed on another computer or for preparing the inputs for multiple calculations at the same time (batch jobs). Angle 5 allows for a flexible and powerful method of automating multiple calculations, by utilizing its new XML-based file format and command line parameters.

Yes. The saved file contains all the needed information, so it can be used for calculations on any other computer with Angle installed.

Before saving, Angle checks all input values for possible incompatibilities. If there is an incompatibility in input parameters, such as an invalid detector-container combination (for example when using a well detector with a Marinelli container, or when using REC form one detector to perform efficiency calculations with another), the error message will be shown. You should check your input parameters.

The output gives you the effective solid angles and detection efficiencies for a set of gamma-energies you choose (which means the set of gamma-energies you are interested in with your sample). From efficiencies, the calculation of concentrations is straightforward: there is proportionality between efficiency, number of counts in the particular gamma-peak, activity and concentration.

From the detection efficiencies, the calculation of the activities (or concentrations) of the radionuclides present in the sample is straightforward: there is a simple linear proportionality between the detection efficiency, number of counts in the particular full energy gamma-peak (peak area), gamma-line intensity (emission probability), live counting time, and activity (or, proportionally to it, concentration). Gamma-line intensities are well known nuclear parameters, while peak areas and live counting times represent the experimental evidence (result of gamma-counting, called gamma-spectra).

From the effective solid angles only (thus without REC – a reference experimental counting), activities (concentrations) of the radionuclides in the sample cannot be obtained.

The calculation precision varies depending on the energy. Angle proceeds with calculations until the specified target precision is met for all of the specified energies, meaning that the worst-case result will be just below the specified precision (typically for the lowest energy), while it will be better for other energies.

The calculation precision is used for effective solid angle calculations. Efficiency calculations involve two such calculations (one for the sample and the one for the reference geometry), thus the total precision is calculated as a square root of sum of squares of these two precisions for each energy. This means that in your case the efficiency precision can be up to 0.7%, i.e. 0.5% ·  √2.

Angle will stop iterating calculations when the target precisions for all specified energies is met, but not before it finishes certain number of iterations, in order to be sure that the results are stable. Therefore, in some cases this will lead to better precision than the one which is specified.

Most probably you are performing calculation from files saved prior to the changes you made. If your input parameters are changed after saving the calculation parameters to file(s) the file(s) will still contain the previously defined parameters. Run the calculation from the current data instead, or save the input parameters again and run calculations from newly saved file(s).

You are trying to run calculations from file created on another computer and you are using Angle with version lower than the one on that computer. Some of parameters specified in this file might be ignored, or misinterpreted.

Unregistered copies of Angle will work in demo mode with all functions enabled, except efficiency calculations (if you are using Angle 5 or Angle 4, you will be able to run calculations with demo detectors). In order to unlock the calculations option, you must be registered. Please fill in the registration form, using the serial number you got with your copy of Angle and register it using one of the several available methods.

Yes. Angle 5 comes with a set of eight predefined demo detectors, one for each supported type. You can use them for calculations even in demo mode, i.e. even if Angle is not registered. This way you can evaluate the results, so as to become more familiar with software scope and capabilities – without/before being registered.

Demo detectors are also very useful for educational/training purposes. Now Angle is there for everyone as a free educational/training tool. For example, it can be used for studying the impact of particular parameters characterizing the detection process on the detection efficiency; or, just to experience/train gamma-spectrometry practice.

Yes. Just click on the “Copy to Clipboard” button and paste the values in the application you want. This is very convenient for various studies applying Angle output data.

Angle saves the calculation results in the XML files with the “.outx” extension. These files can be imported in any third-party application which can handle XML format.

Additionally, it is possible to save the results in two more popular formats: JSON and YAML. This makes the number of possible applications even bigger.

Also, you can export your results directly to ORTEC’s GammaVision or Canberra’s Genie 2000.

Yes. You can see any input parameter used for calculation. For example, if you want to get information about the detector used, simply click on the detector name or the information button next to it.

Yes. If, while viewing the results, you want to print them, just click the “Print calculation results” button to print a one-page document containing the results together with a summary of all the input parameter data, counting arrangement schematics, as well as the calculated efficiency curve (if calculated).

A detailed report can be printed by clicking the “Print calculation report”. The report will contain the results, as well as all the input parameter data used in calculations – thus making the results traceable to the input values.

Yes. The procedure is the same as for regular printing. You just have to choose a virtual PDF printer when printing. If you need help to install PDF printer software, please contact your system’s administrator.

You may notice that a detailed report can be printed by clicking “Print calculation report”. The report contains not only the results, but also all the input parameter data used in the calculations – thus making the results traceable to the input values. This implies that the quality (accuracy) of calculation results depends primarily on the quality (accuracy) of the input parameter data.

If you may wish to gain a better insight into the specific “error propagation” of a particular input parameter (e.g. crystal radius, or dead layer thickness, or source matrix composition...) towards the final calculation result (efficiency), we advise using Angle 5 applicability for research purposes. Suggested reading: [3] in the Literature.

Traceability is an important issue when validating analytical methods and/or accrediting the labs. You will surely find the above helpful in that sense.

Yes. Click on the “View calculation results” button on the “Calculations” ribbon tab, select all calculation results files you would like to open and click on the “Open” button. Now you can simply move from one calculation results file to another.

Yes.

Yes. You also have demo output files already installed with Angle – try them.

Yes. While viewing output results, click on the “Export to ORTEC GammaVision” button. A new dialog will open where you can choose if you want to export ORTEC GammaVision efficiency calibration file (*.EFT), or geometry correction file (*.GEO). In the latter case you can also specify the uncertainty. After clicking the “OK” button you will have to choose the name and location of the exported file. This file can subsequently be imported in GammaVision.

Yes. While viewing output results, click on the “Export to Canberra CAM file” button and choose the name and location of the Genie 2000 CAM file.

This is because you calculated only effective solid angles, not efficiencies, which are required by GammaVision. In order to calculate efficiencies, you must specify a reference efficiency curve for your detector.

This is because you calculated only effective solid angles, not efficiencies, which are required by Genie 2000 In order to calculate efficiencies, you must specify a reference efficiency curve for your detector.

Start GammaVision and select the specific detector for which you want to create the new efficiency calibration, using the detector pull-down menu on the toolbar. Next select the option “Calibrate” and then select “Efficiency”. When the “Efficiency Calibration” window opens, click on the white box on the upper left of the sidebar and select “Destroy” from the control menu which will remove any current efficiency calibration data. Then click the “Merge” button, browse for and select the EFT file created by Angle.

At this point it is possible to change the fitting mode for the efficiency data transferred from Angle, as the default fit type is linear, using the “Mode” section of the “Efficiency Calibration” window. Once you have closed the “Efficiency Calibration” window, select “Save Calibration” from the “Calibrate” option and save the new calibration file.

Angle requires Genie 2000 to be installed on your computer to be able to import or export CAM files.

Even though it is physically possible to count Marinelli sources on well detectors (assuming a Marinelli cavity larger than the detector end-cap), Angle does not support that option; we considered it strange to utilize a highly specialized well detector in just the opposite way as it was conceived/designed for.

Nevertheless, if there is an explicit user’s request for this, such an option can be considered/developed.