Description of the Features
Overview
The ScintiSmasher program is designed to process and evaluate scintillation spectra generated by liquid scintillation counters (LSC). In the era of digitalization, it is now possible not only to store and evaluate measured samples but also to check for impurities. The software supports various hardware formats – for instance, Packard devices typically output 4096 channels (linear scale), whereas Wallac and Hidex devices use 1024 channels with logarithmic scaling.
Working Screen & Spectrum Display
At startup, the working screen displays the loaded LSC spectra (via File → Load Spectra). The file names appear in the "Loaded Spectra" area. By selecting the ROI radio button next to a spectrum, its CPM (pulses per minute) is automatically displayed in its associated adjustable window. Additionally, measurement time and quench values (e.g. TSIE) are shown alongside each spectrum. A simple click on the colored bar toggles a spectrum’s visibility – handy when several spectra have been loaded.
Activity Calculation
By clicking the "Activity Calculation" button, you enter a dedicated window that calculates the activity and detection limits following DIN ISO 11929. Here, the spectrum marked by the ROI radio button is used to determine the activity. The interface also allows selection between X-log or Y-log displays, while scale buttons or manual input enable adjusting individual nuclide spectra to form a multi-nuclide spectrum.
Multinuclide Spectrum Determination
To handle impurities or avoid time-consuming radiochemical separations, ScintiSmasher can unfold a multinuclide spectrum by using corresponding single nuclide spectra (for example, Sr-89 and Sr-90). The program creates spectral libraries – it automatically selects the spectrum with the most similar quench value for comparison and identification. When spectra are marked with a "sum" checkbox, they are combined into a aggregated spectrum. Scale adjustments (via buttons or manual entry) ensure the individual spectra combine to closely match the multinuclide spectrum, enabling precise activity measurement. (Note: Ensure that the "Time Normalisation" radio button is set to "On" for accurate calculations.)
Creation of Quench Curves & Reference Spectra Libraries
ScintiSmasher provides an easy way to create quench curves: simply open the file containing your quench spectra, which automatically displays the count rate (in CPM) – typically from the window that houses 99% of the spectrum. Manual CPM entries are also supported. In this module, the activity (in Bq) of the pipetted standard is entered, and the best-fitting quench curve is saved. You can also save loaded spectra as reference sets for subsequent multinuclide identification or quick recognition of unknown test solutions.
Sr-89/90 Determination in ROI Windows
Especially useful in accident scenarios, ScintiSmasher offers a robust method for measuring Sr-89/90. The double measurement in two energy windows, taken shortly after separation from the matrix, allows for a rapid analysis – significantly faster than traditional proportional counters. This method is both precise and uniquely implemented in the ScintiSmasher.