Introduction - Ametek ORTEC Alpha Duo Hardware User's Manual

1. Introduction

With the introduction of the ORTEC
able to address the needs of any counting laboratory, large or small, whether users are upgrading or
just starting out. The ORTEC Alpha Suite consists of the Alpha Aria®, a single-channel NIM; the Alpha
Duo®, a compact, dual-channel benchtop system; the Alpha Mega® single-channel benchtop model;
and the Alpha Ensemble®, which can house one to four Alpha Duos and Alpha Megas in any
combination. The Alpha Ensemble can be mounted in a 19-inch rack or in the tabletop enclosure in
which it is supplied.
The latest advanced digital signal processing, together with a modular mechanical approach, aligns
value and performance with unparalleled configuration flexibility.
Easy System Expansion – Any of these spectrometers can be added to existing ORTEC
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systems simply by installing the latest C
with the instrument. Empty slots in the Alpha Ensemble chassis are covered by easily removed
blank panels. Expansion could not be easier – simply slide an enclosure-less version of the
Alpha Duo or Alpha Mega into an available bay in the chassis, make three simple connections,
and the new module is ready for use.
Performance –
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DUO Each of the two Alpha Duo channels has a vacuum gauge; variable detector bias supply
(positive or negative); preamplifier; test pulser generator with variable amplitude; and
leakage current monitor. Each of the two spectrometers has its own digital offset and
conversion gain settings for maximum flexibility. Each detector operates independently
with completely adjustable energy ranges from 0 to 10 MeV. Each pulse generator is
adjustable over a range representing 0 to 10 MeV. The bias supply is adjustable from
0 V to ±100 V. The hardware controls, data acquisition settings, detector bias, and leak-
age current are displayed and controlled with ORTEC C
as the accompanying MAESTRO
Spectrum Acquisition and Analysis for Microsoft Windows 7 and XP SP3.
Mega Except for its larger chamber and sample tray size, the Alpha Mega has the same
performance specifications as an individual Duo channel.
High-Speed USB or Ethernet Connectivity – All three units connect to a PC via a single, high-
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speed USB cable. (The Alpha Ensemble configuration contains an internal USB hub.)
Alternatively, users can use the USB-CONC C
separately) to make a wired or wireless Ethernet connection without the distance limitation of
USB communication.
Vacuum Connections and Monitoring – The Alpha Mega chamber has a single vacuum
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connection and pressure gauge. The Alpha Duo's twin chambers share a vacuum connection,
so both chambers operate at the same pressure; thus, any pumping, holding, and venting
operation affects both chambers. In the Duo, pressure in both chambers is monitored by a single
pressure-gauge head. The Alpha Ensemble chassis has an integral vacuum manifold with a
single external connector for attachment to a vacuum pump, and four internal connectors for
attachment to four Duos and/or Megas. This simplifies the installation of the vacuum system
Alpha Suite™ of integrated alpha spectrometers, ORTEC was
®
ONNECTIONS
® MCA Emulator or our AlphaVision
ONNECTIONS
Driver Update Kit (P/N 797230) supplied
ONNECTIONS
Distance Extender (purchased
applications such
® Alpha Particle
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