Single source-based energy and efficiency calibration method for the assessment of an alpha imaging detector

An alpha imaging detector acquires a two-dimensional distribution of a sample that emits alpha particles. For the quantitative analysis of the image of an alpha-emitting sample, the individual energies of the alpha particles must be identified, which can be achieved using the spectrometric method after detector calibration. In this study, an energy and efficiency calibration method was investigated to assess an alpha imaging detector. The calibration was performed using a single standard source of Am-241 based on the energy loss characteristic of an alpha particle. The feasibility of the calibration method was evaluated using another source, Ac-225. The calibrated alpha imaging detector was evaluated in terms of energy resolution and detection efficiency, and the alpha imaging detector was found to be efficiently calibrated using a single standard source. The calibrated alpha imaging detector appears promising for the quantitative analysis of samples that emit alpha particles.

Error factors of AC-DC conversion circuits accuracy

Voltage standard source is an important basic instrument in the electrical measurement and testing field, and it has important guarantee significance for many industries. AC voltage standard source is based on AC-DC conversion technology to achieve output function of high precision AC voltage. In order to get a better effect of AC-DC conversion, the three factors—operational amplifier, resistance and diode—that have a greater impact on the accuracy of the rectifier output were taken the research object, and their impacts on the circuit error were analyzed respectively. The output result was compared with the output of full wave precision rectification circuit under ideal state, and the scheme of reducing error in the precision rectifier circuit was summarized, which provides a reference for improving the accuracy of AC-DC conversion in the design of full wave rectifier circuit.

Stockmann, Reinhard, Meyer, Wolfgang und Taube, Lena (Eds.) (2020). The Institutionalisation of Evaluation in Europe. Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN: 978-3-030-32283-0.

In covering 16 European countries, the 500 pages book provides a broad overview (“stocktaking”) of the development of evaluation in Europe focusing on the institutions and actors initiating, involved in, and using evaluation. The book is made up of the (conceptually reflected) introductory and (aptly) summarizing chapters written by the editors and the (substantive data-rich) country reports written by some 20 country experts. While all countries show a “macro” trend in the convergent rise of evaluation (particularly with regard to government-commissioned evaluation and of “professionalization” of evaluators), the countries show marked variance (country-specific “starting conditions”, dynamics (“waves”), institutional forms, etc.). The book can be deemed a valuable update and extension of the previous “stocktaking” of evaluation in the “International Atlas of Evaluation” edited by Jan-Eric Furubo, Ray C. Rist and Rolf Sandahl in 2002. It has the potential of being a standard source and handbook in evaluation-related teaching, research, and practice for many years.

A low-activity ion source for measurement of atmospheric gases by chemical ionization mass spectrometry

Most I−-CIMSs (iodide chemical ionization mass spectrometers) for measurement of atmospheric trace gases utilize a radioactive ion source with an initial activity of 10 or 20 mCi of 210Po. In this work, we characterize a 210Po ion source with an initial activity of 1.5 mCi that can be easily constructed from commercially available components. The low level of radioactive activity of this source significantly reduces regulatory burden with storage and shipping relative to higher-activity sources. We compare the sensitivity of the low-activity source (LAS) to a standard 20 mCi source, as a function of carrier gas flow and flow tube pressure, for peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), formic acid (HCO2H), molecular chlorine (Cl2) and nitryl chloride (ClNO2), using an I−-CIMS. The LAS provides 2 to 5 times less sensitivity than that of the standard source even though the ratio of activity is approximately 13. However, detection limits of less than 2 pptv for the tested compounds are achieved for integration times on the order of a minute. The sensitivity of the LAS is less dependent on the magnitude of the carrier gas than a standard source. In addition, the LAS provides maximum sensitivity at relatively low carrier gas flows. Finally, we demonstrate that the LAS can be used to measure PAN in the remote atmosphere from an aircraft by showing data obtained on the NASA DC-8 during the Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission. In summary, the LAS may be an excellent substitute for a standard ion source in short-term field deployments.

A low activity ion source for measurement of atmospheric gases by CIMS

Most I--CIMS (iodide-chemical ionization mass spectrometers) for measurement of atmospheric trace gases utilize a radioactive ion source with an initial activity of 10 or 20 mCi of 210Po. In this work, we characterize a 210Po ion source with an initial activity of 1.5 mCi that can be easily constructed from commercially available components. The low level of radioactive activity of this source significantly reduces complications with storage and shipping relative to higher activity sources. We compare the sensitivity of the low activity source (LAS) to a standard 20 mCi source, as a function of carrier gas flow and flow tube pressure, for peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN), formic acid (HCO2H) molecular chlorine (Cl2), and nitryl chloride (ClNO2) using an I--CIMS. The LAS provides 2 to 5 times less sensitivity than that of the standard source even though the ratio of activity is approximately 13. However, detection limits of less than 2 pptv for the tested compounds are achieved for integration times of the order of a minute. The sensitivity of the LAS is less dependent on the magnitude of the carrier gas than a standard source. In addition, the LAS provides maximum sensitivity at relatively low carrier gas flows. Finally, we demonstrate that the LAS can be used to measure PAN in the remote atmosphere from an aircraft by showing data obtained on the NASA DC-8 during the Atmospheric Tomography (ATom) mission. In summary, the LAS may be an excellent substitute for a standard ion source in some field applications.