ANGLE v2.1—New version of the computer code for semiconductor detector gamma-efficiency calculations

Abstract

New version of the commercially available ANGLE software for semiconductor detector gamma-efficiency calculations is presented. ANGLE allows for accurate determination of the activities of gamma spectroscopic samples for which no “replicate” standard exists, in terms of geometry and matrix. A semi-empirical (“efficiency transfer”) approach is applied, based on the effective solid angle calculations. Advantages of both absolute (Monte Carlo) and relative (calibrated-source-based) methods are combined—while minimizing potential for systematic errors in the former and reducing practical limitations of the latter. ANGLE is broadly applicable, accounting for most of counting arrangements in gamma-spectrometry practice (in respect to detector types and configuration, source shapes and volumes, matrix composition, source-to-detector distance, etc.). Besides the years of practical utilization in many gamma-spectrometry laboratories, accuracy of the software is successfully tested in a recent IAEA-organized intercomparison exercise—ANGLE scored 0.65% average deviation from the exercise mean for E γ >20keV energies.