Frequently asked questions
Installation
ANGLE 3 is compatible with all 32-bit or 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows: from Windows 95 to the latest Windows 7. There are no other system requirements. Faster processors are recommended, reducing calculation times.
No. simply run the installation file and ANGLE will update your existing copy.
No. all your data will be preserved.
This is most probably due to security restrictions on your computer/network. You might not have rights to install software on your computer. Please contact your system administrator for help.
Detector
No. ANGLE has no limitations regarding the number of detectors you can define.
Of course. You can use ANGLE with any solid state semiconductor detector, regardless of manufacturer. You just need to have detector datasheet showing the detector dimensions and materials used.
No. The only thing you need for characterization is the detector datasheet showing the detector dimensions and materials used. Just enter these data in ANGLE and - your detector is characterized! Of course, in order get final results, i.e. to calculate detector efficiencies for particular counting arrangements, you need in addition to experimentally obtain a reference efficiency curve for your detector (efficiency transfer principle).
Indeed, there is no exact/consistent nomination in the literature and among manufacturers for particular detector construction details - different names are often used for the same thing. For example, "housing" could be also a "mount cap", "inactive Ge layer" could be named "dead layer" or "outside contact layer" etc. In order to avoid confusion/misunderstanding, ANGLE always - while entering/editing/reviewing the data - displays schematic drawing representing the data being currently entered. While entering the dimensions, a red dimension line is showed on the illustration indicating the required dimension. Thus, it is important what is indicated this way on the detector drawing, and not how it is called.
Yes. You can define up to four additional intercepting layers in your geometry. Additional intercepting layer is any material gamma rays encounter on their way from source to detector. For each layer you can define its top and side (relative to the detector) thickness and material.
No. Just choose the detector you would like to use, click "Edit", change whatever you want, click "Save as" button and give a name for new detector.
This can also be applied to simply vary parameters of the same detector towards its better characterization ("optimization") - for example, to estimate real values of some parameters which are not directly accessible/measurable (dead layers, vacuum dimensions) by comparing ANGLE calculations with experimental data (measurements).
This can also be applied to simply vary parameters of the same detector towards its better characterization ("optimization") - for example, to estimate real values of some parameters which are not directly accessible/measurable (dead layers, vacuum dimensions) by comparing ANGLE calculations with experimental data (measurements).
Technically, all cylindrical detectors are functionally the same. You can, without worry, use HPGe detector, just be sure to enter the correct dimensions.
All GMX type detectors belong to "Closed end coaxial HPGe" in ANGLE detector specification - they essentially have the same configuration. If the detector is made of (high purity) Germanium, then just choose the one which configuration corresponds to those of your detectors (consult the drawing ANGLE provides).
Container
You can define as many containers as you want. ANGLE has no such limitations.
In order to assist with data entry ANGLE - while entering/editing/reviewing the data - always displays schematic drawing representing the data which are currently entered. While entering the dimensions, a red dimension line is showed on the illustration indicating the required dimension. So, simply look at the schematics while entering the data.
It is always the height of the active (radioactive) substance in the container, as illustrated for two typical cases here:
No. Simply choose the container you would like to use, click "Edit", change whatever you want, click "Save as" button and give a name for new container.
This can also be applied to simply vary parameters of the same container - for example, to find the optimal container size or volume.
This can also be applied to simply vary parameters of the same container - for example, to find the optimal container size or volume.
Contact pin data are not really critical in ANGLE calculations. They are relevant only if you use deep Marinelli containers with lower bottom below the detector crystal, i.e. when the contact pin may be traversed by gamma-rays from the source on their way to the detector. If not specified in the datasheet, we suggest that you take the same diameter for the contact pin as that of the crystal core.
Geometry
You can define as much geometry as you want. ANGLE has no such limitations.
In order to assist with data entry ANGLE - while entering/editing/reviewing the data - always displays schematic drawing representing the data which are currently entered. While entering the dimensions, a red dimension line is showed on the illustration indicating the required dimension. So, simply look at the schematics while entering the data.
Although you do not actually use a holder, you can still define a "virtual" one, in order to account for the distance between the source and the detector. Just define a holder with cap thickness equal to zero and radius bigger than both detector and source. The only thing you will have to precise is holder height, which will then represent the actual distance between the source (or its container, if present) and the detector.
Additional intercepting layer is any material encountered by gamma rays on their way from source to detector, e.g. plastic bag over the detector's end-cap (commonly used to protect from contamination). For each layer you can define its top and side thickness and material.
Yes. The distance between detector and source is automatically increased by sum of top thicknesses of all defined intercepting layers. In other words, holder and/or container (if any) are put on top of those layers.
No. Simply choose the geometry you would like to use, click "Edit", change whatever you want, click "Save as" button and give a name for new geometry. Good tip for counting optimization or error propagation studies!
Source
Yes. For disc sources just enter zero for source height. For point sources enter zero both for height and radius. You may remark that ANGLE will perform calculations much faster in these cases, then for a cylindrical or Marinelli source.
Yes (except if you are using point or disk sources). It is very important to know as good as possible the materials of your whole configuration (including the source, its container, detector construction details, intercepting layers etc. , because it is an essential parameter for calculation of gamma‑ray attenuations (self‑attenuation in case of source).
Yes. Simply select the "No container" option in ANGLE.
Yes. Simply click "Source radius" option and enter any value you want. This radius, of course, cannot be greater that the container's inside radius.
Reference efficiency curve (REC)
Reference efficiency curve (REC) is absolutely crucial, since efficiency transfer (ET) principle applied in ANGLE is based upon it. If the reference efficiency curve is not specified, efficiencies will not (can not) be calculated (only effective solid angles will be calculated in that case)!
Obtaining reliable reference efficiency curve is thus essential for successful ANGLE utilization: all ANGLE results for a given detector will be relative to REC with error propagation factor = 1 (that is to say 100% of the uncertainty in the REC is added in quadrature to the other sources of uncertainty).
Investment of care in determining the REC will always pay off!
We strongly recommend reading e.g. refs. 1. and 5. in our References to get more familiar with the subject.
Obtaining reliable reference efficiency curve is thus essential for successful ANGLE utilization: all ANGLE results for a given detector will be relative to REC with error propagation factor = 1 (that is to say 100% of the uncertainty in the REC is added in quadrature to the other sources of uncertainty).
Investment of care in determining the REC will always pay off!
We strongly recommend reading e.g. refs. 1. and 5. in our References to get more familiar with the subject.
Correct. Calibration sources should cover gamma energy region of analytical interest (e.g. 50-3000keV). It is suggested that calibrated sources with low certified uncertainties (not exceeding 1.5%-2.5%) are used to obtain as many calibration points (efficiencies vs. gamma energies) as possible for the energy range mentioned. This non-negligible initial effort is largely paid back in future exploitation, since well accurate reference efficiency curve is the basis for accurate ANGLE application.
The more experimental points you have, the better your REC will be. It is recommended to have at least 20 points for a good curve.
No. Simply select the data in your document, go to ANGLE and press "Paste from Clipboard".
ANGLE interpolates the REC using the experimental points you defined. To make as better fit as possible it is advisable do divide the REC in two or more regions, e.g. one where the REC is almost linear and the other one where it is not. For each region you can define the fitting polynomial order to be sure the final REC will follow experimental points correctly.
Regions should be well covered with experimental points. It is not a good idea to make regions much wider than area covered by experimental points. For example, if the lowest energy point is at 88.03keV, it is not good idea to start the first region at 20keV. Otherwise, the resulted efficiencies for low energies might not be accurate.
Yes. There are no limitations regarding number of RECs in ANGLE. Once you define your REC you can save and use it anytime later.
Absolutely. The reference efficiencies for different detectors are not the same, even if they are the same type! Each detector should have its REC in order to have correct calculation result.
No. Any calibrated source(s) can serve to obtain a REC. However, when quality (uncertainties) of output data is of much concern, it is advisable to have a REC which is produced from calibration source(s) geometrically not much different form the sample for which ANGLE calculations are performed. In doing so, error propagation will be reduced and results will be more accurate.
One REC per detector is enough, in principle. It is recommended to construct it by counting a number of calibrated point sources at a large distance from the detector (e.g. 20-30 cm), avoiding true coincidences and matrix effects. Also, absolutely calibrated point sources are often certified to better accuracy than voluminous ones. It is generally more prudent to use several single nuclide sources, than a single multi nuclide one.
However, in order to additionally exploit the ET error compensation effect, one might consider constructing more RECs for the same detector. For instance, the same point source(s) counted at large distance could also be counted on the detector top, yielding another REC. Calibrated cylindrical and Marinelli sources could produce additional RECs.
In ideal case, using any of several RECs in εp calculations would produce the same result for the actual sample, i.e. result should be independent on the choice of REC. Given the fact all input data (detector, source, geometry) are inaccurate to some extent, choosing a "likely" REC for the actual sample/geometry should eventually produce better (more accurate) results, due to larger ET error compensation. In other words, if the REC sample/geometry is closer to the actual sample, results are likely to be better. This in itself is a measure of the accuracy of the various sample and detector parameter choices – if two RECs produce results which are close, the implication is that both sample/geometry and detector are well characterized.
However, in order to additionally exploit the ET error compensation effect, one might consider constructing more RECs for the same detector. For instance, the same point source(s) counted at large distance could also be counted on the detector top, yielding another REC. Calibrated cylindrical and Marinelli sources could produce additional RECs.
In ideal case, using any of several RECs in εp calculations would produce the same result for the actual sample, i.e. result should be independent on the choice of REC. Given the fact all input data (detector, source, geometry) are inaccurate to some extent, choosing a "likely" REC for the actual sample/geometry should eventually produce better (more accurate) results, due to larger ET error compensation. In other words, if the REC sample/geometry is closer to the actual sample, results are likely to be better. This in itself is a measure of the accuracy of the various sample and detector parameter choices – if two RECs produce results which are close, the implication is that both sample/geometry and detector are well characterized.
Open "Reference efficiency curve" dialog and click "Load curve from file" button. Choose the file with the name under which you saved the REC and click OK.
Yes. Open "Reference efficiency curve" dialog and click "Import from GammaVision" button. Choose the .EFT file which you saved from GammaVision and click OK. Finally, check the energy regions and modify them, if you want.
No. Simply change whatever you want, enter the new name for the REC and click OK. You will be prompted if you would like to save the REC. It is a good tip to use this possibility when investigating/improving the quality of a REC by adding/removing/adjusting experimental points in the REC.
Calculation
ANGLE applies numerical integration in order to calculate effective solid angles, which are further transformed into detection efficiencies. "Calculation precision" is actually Gauss-Legendre coefficient in numerical integration, i.e. number of segments in the integration interval. The higher it is, the more precise calculation result will be.
You can set any value between 10 and 50. The higher it is - the more precise result will be, but it will take more time to calculate. Choosing calculation precision value means optimizing precision vs. calculation time. We recommend values between 25 and 35, because they offer very good precision for most cases, while keeping computation times relatively short. If you use voluminous sources (large cylinders or Marinelli's), for example, you may consider using higher precision values.
One should, thus, not exaggerate with calculation precision – it might not tangibly improve your result, while calculation times will be much longer. Try it, if you like, for e.g. 20, 30, and 40 and you will see the effect. From the other side, setting the precision coefficient too low may produce poor results, while saving only a minute or two of the calculation time.
One should, thus, not exaggerate with calculation precision – it might not tangibly improve your result, while calculation times will be much longer. Try it, if you like, for e.g. 20, 30, and 40 and you will see the effect. From the other side, setting the precision coefficient too low may produce poor results, while saving only a minute or two of the calculation time.
"Save as" 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).
Yes. Saved file contains absolutely all needed information, so it can be used for calculations on another computer with ANGLE installed.
Before saving, ANGLE checks all input values for possible incompatibilities. If there is an incompatibility in input parameters, such as invalid detector-container combination (for example when using well detector with Marinelli container), the error message will be shown. You should check your input parameters.
If you are performing calculations from the saved file then change of your input parameters does not mattes, since the saved file contains previously defined parameters. Run the calculation from the current data, instead. Or, if you prefer, save the input parameters again and run calculations from newly saved file.
You are probably trying to run the calculations from file created on another computer with a newer version of ANGLE.
Unregistered copies of ANGLE will work in demo mode with all functions enabled, except efficiency calculations. In order to unlock the calculations option you must be registered. Please fill in the registration form, using serial number you got with your copy of ANGLE and register ANGLE using one of several available methods.
Yes. Just click on "Copy to Clipboard" button and paste the values in application you want. This is very convenient for various studies implying ANGLE output data.
Yes. You can see any input parameter used for calculation. For example, if you want to get information about detector used, simply click on a detector name or information button right from it.
Yes. Click on "View output" button from "Calculations" menu, select all output files you would like to open and click "Open" button. Now you can simply move from one output file to another.
Yes.
Yes. You also have one demo output file already installed with ANGLE - try it.
I am trying to open calculation output file from another computer, but I am receiving error message?You probably have older versions of ANGLE software while output files are created in a newer one.
Yes. While viewing output results click on "Export to GammaVision" button and choose the name and location for GammaVision .EFT file. This file can be imported in GammaVision.
This is because you calculated only effective solid angles, not efficiencies, which are required by GammaVision. In order to calculate efficiencies you must specify reference efficiency curve for your detector.
Start GammaVision and select specific detector you want to create the new effective calibration for using detector pull-down on toolbar. Next select the "Calibrate" menu 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 "Merge" button, browse for and select the .EFT file created by ANGLE.
At this point its 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 Efficiency Calibration window. Once you have closed Efficiency Calibration window select "Save Calibration" from the "Calibrate" menu and save new calibration file.
At this point its 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 Efficiency Calibration window. Once you have closed Efficiency Calibration window select "Save Calibration" from the "Calibrate" menu and save new calibration file.
ANGLE software itself introduces only minor uncertainty at the calculation result (full energy peak efficiency). The uncertainty is dominantly originating from input data about detector, source, container, absorbing materials, counting arrangement/geometry, counting statistics (peak area), calibration sources, etc. We estimate that a careful application of ANGLE will produce results not worse than 3-4% for cylindrical and 5-7% for Marinelli sources. Suggested reading: references 1, 2, 3. in the References.
Energies
Yes. You can define any energy set you want (you don't even have to have REC defined to run calculations). Please pay attention that, when you use a REC for calculations, all energies you are interested in must fall inside the regions defined in that REC.
There is a simple way to do that. Simply select the data in your document, go to ANGLE and press "Paste from Clipboard".
ANGLE support energies from as low as 0.1 keV to 100 GeV (108 keV). However, in low gamma-energy region (say below 50 keV), attenuation is becoming so intense that detector geometrical and compositional data cannot be specified accurately enough to enable the same quality of results as for higher energies. Above 2000 keV reliable calibration points are scarce, so in this region RECs are generally poor, limiting ANGLE practical applicability. Using ANGLE (like any other absolute or semi-empirical efficiency calculation method) in very low and very high energy region should thus be with having this in mind and with utmost care.
Materials
You can define any custom material, as long as you know its composition data and density. When choosing the material, choose "Something else" option and define your custom material. You will be prompted to save it to disk, if you want, for later use.
You can define material in three ways: as a mixture of elements (you have to define element symbols and mass percentages), as a compound (you have to define element symbols and number of atoms) and as mixture of compounds (you have to define each compound separately and the mass share percentage). In either case you have to define the density of your material and the material name. You can save the material to disk for later use.
No, if you saved your material to disk. Simply click on "Something else" when choosing material, click "Load material from file" button and select the material you saved.
The more accurately you know it, the better, because this information is input for gamma-attenuation calculations. However, minor constituents (e.g. trace elements) in the material are not contributing considerably in this sense and can be easily be omitted if not known. In any particular case, you may verify yourself (by trial calculations) how variation of absence/presence/concentration of a particular component reflects your final result.
Registration
Unregistered copies of ANGLE will work in demo mode with all functions enabled, except efficiency calculations. This is aimed at making you familiar with the software, but also for demonstration and even teaching purposes.
In order to unlock the calculations option you must be registered.
In order to unlock the calculations option you must be registered.
ANGLE can be freely downloaded and installed on any computer. To be able to run calculations, though, you need to register it.
ANGLE license is intended to be used on a single computer. When you reinstall your computer or make some hardware changes on your computers ANGLE must be registered again in order to be fully operational. Therefore we allow up to three registrations per one year. Thus, you can use this to register ANGLE on three computers, but that is not recommended, since you will not be able to re-register it in case of system change.
You can register ANGLE in two ways: online (automatic) and via e-mail.
First, you have to open and fill the Registration form by clicking on "Register ANGLE 3" option from the "Help" main menu item. Mandatory fields are marked with the asterisk ("*").
If your computer is connected to the Internet simply clicking the "Register online" button and your copy of ANGLE will be registered. If not, you can register it by e-mail. By clicking on "Register by e-mail", ANGLE will automatically create an e-mail for you with all registration parameters. You can, also, copy the registration information to Clipboard by clicking the "Copy to Clipboard" button and paste it to other application (e.g. text editor). Please send us e-mail with registration data from a computer with Internet connection and we will send you back the unique registration number which will unlock your copy of the software. To enter received registration number click the "Enter registration number" button and enter the registration number we sent you.
First, you have to open and fill the Registration form by clicking on "Register ANGLE 3" option from the "Help" main menu item. Mandatory fields are marked with the asterisk ("*").
If your computer is connected to the Internet simply clicking the "Register online" button and your copy of ANGLE will be registered. If not, you can register it by e-mail. By clicking on "Register by e-mail", ANGLE will automatically create an e-mail for you with all registration parameters. You can, also, copy the registration information to Clipboard by clicking the "Copy to Clipboard" button and paste it to other application (e.g. text editor). Please send us e-mail with registration data from a computer with Internet connection and we will send you back the unique registration number which will unlock your copy of the software. To enter received registration number click the "Enter registration number" button and enter the registration number we sent you.
This is most probably due to security restrictions on your computer/network. For example, your antivirus/firewall software might block ANGLE accessing Internet, or your system administrator removed some privileges. Please contact your system administrator for help or, simply, register ANGLE by e-mail.
Updating ANGLE
You don't, but it might be a good idea to do that from time to time. We are constantly working on improvements of our software and we publish software updates from time to time. These updates usually bring new functionalities, improve the existing ones and fix some bugs. Therefore, it is advisable to update ANGLE from time to time.
It's easy. ANGLE has built in automatic updating function, so if your computer with ANGLE is connected to Internet just choose the "Check for updates" option from the "Help" main menu item and click on "Check for updates" button. ANGLE will contact the update server over the Internet and check if there are updates available. If yes, updates will be automatically downloaded and installed.
Yes. By checking the "Automatic update" check box, ANGLE will automatically check for updates on every program start.
Yes. Download the latest installation file from our site and use it to re-install ANGLE. There is no need to uninstall the current version before this.
This is most probably due to security restrictions on your computer/network. For example, your antivirus/firewall software might block ANGLE accessing Internet and/or downloading files, or your system administrator removed some privileges. Please contact your system administrator for help or download ANGLE from our site and use this file for update.
No. Simply run the installation file and ANGLE will update your existing copy.
No. all your data will be preserved.
This is most probably due to security restrictions on your computer/network. You might not have rights to install software on your computer. Please contact your system administrator for help.
Applicability
ANGLE is suitable for in situ measurements, e.g. for determination of soil surface or in-depth contamination. Appropriate geometrical model/description should be applied to that aim. For instance, soil surface can be described as an infinite disc source, which practically means a couple of meters of diameter if detector is put upside-down just above it (the rest does not contribute tangibly to the measurement), as is common in this type of measurement. In-depth contamination can be calculated by considering soil as an infinite slab of a certain thickness (again, in practice, it is sufficient to take into account only a couple of meters around the detector.
Miscellaneous
No. However, ANGLE can be helpful to this aim, since many approaches are combining the decay scheme (which is generally known) and efficiency (calculated e.g. by ANGLE). Of course, whenever possible, coincidence free gamma-lines should be taken for analytical purposes. This is especially valid for constructing ANGLE reference efficiency curve, since the uncertainty on the latter is subsequently propagated to all ANGLE results.