How does it work

The Spectrum Discovery Software for gamma analysis includes a set of advanced algorithms based on the Whole Spectrum Processing (WSP). These algorithms provide a complete analysis of gamma ray spectra.

The WSP approach brings a new level of capabilities to Gamma Ray Analysis by increasing the sensitivity of the analysis, improving the spectral parameters, eliminating the need for additional user’s experimental calibration, and/or saving the time, money and labor under preservation of the same analytical quality.

The WSP algorithms are based upon methodology of response operator. The response operator model uses a matrix representation, thus, spectra are put into vectors and operators are represented in matrices.

The response operator matrix is built up by SCFA (Scaling Confirmatory Factor Analysis) methodology for each of used detectors. The standard response operator describes detection processes within the detector and has been calculated from a set of several experimental calibration measurements at different energies. The operator includes full energy and efficiency calibration parameters. Therefore, no additional user’s calibration measurements are needed.

The new system works with high level of safety with various types of detectors (semiconductor HPGe, scintillation NaI(Tl), and plastic scintillation detectors). The system needs no modification and no additional calibration, when changing detector types, only exchanging the appropriate response operator is enough.

The WSP approach improves basic parameters (efficiency and resolution) of spectral analysis more than by one order. This significantly lowers number of false alarms signalized by portal monitors and, furthermore, enables performing detailed nuclide identification (NID) of radiation sources and determination of certain interesting materials and substances such as improvised explosives, for example.