Impulse MCA for Gamma Spectrometry

[ssesselmann]

This is the first official release of Impulse MCA, it is an open source Python script for doing gamma spectrometry. It works with any low cost sound card spectrometer like the Gammaspectacular or with the high end fast spectrometer from Atom Spectra.

The program opens up in your default browser with tabs as follows.

My Details
This page stores your personal details in your preferences, these details are used if you choose to publish your recordred spectrum to a public database. You have complete control over which fields to make public. In order to publish spectra you need to obtain an API key, just click the button and a key will be emailed to you.

Device
Tab1 is for the device setup, if using sound card spectrometer, this page is for recording the mean pulse shape and measuring pulse distortion. If selecting a serial device like Atom-Nano these functions are hidden.

2D Histogram
This tab is for your regular pulse height histogram (gamma spectrum), here you can start and stop your recording, calibrate energies, view comparison spectra, subtract background counts and last but not least publish your work.

3D Histogram
This feature is unique to Impulse and allows you to record 3D spectra, useful for any experiment where the count rate or isotope mix changes over time. Use your imagination and think what it can be used for.

Count rate histogram
This tab simply shows the count rate per second over time, also useful for experiments like half time measurements of isotopes with short half lives like silver activation experiments.

Repository
Unique to Impulse, a public repository where impulse users can share their recorded spectra, this is where your spectra end up when you click publish, but on the mMy Details tab you have the option to delete it again if you have made a mistake or just want to remove it for whatever reason.

Exit and Manual
Impulse should be closed by clicking the exit button on this page, otherwise Python may leave certain processes running. On this page you also have a choice of background colors and images so you can customise Impulse to your liking. This page also has a manual explaining what each field does.

This is an open source project so if you are a Python programmer and have something to suggest, feel free to send me a pull request.

Steven Sesselmann

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This discussion was created from the release Impulse MCA for Gamma Spectrometry.