Freiberg Instruments lexsyg research Operator's manual

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Manual and documentation
lexsyg
2012-10-12

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We work constantly at the advancement of all measuring systems.
Copying or reprinting, even in extracts, is only allowed with a written approval from the
Freiberg Instruments GmbH. All rights according to copyright subject to Freiberg Instruments
GmbH.
Subject to alterations.
Freiberg Instruments GmbH
Am St. Niclas Schacht 13
09599 Freiberg
Germany
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: http://www.freiberginstruments.com

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents.................................................................................................................. 3
Table of Figures .................................................................................................................... 6
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................... 8
1.1. Important Information............................................................................................... 8
1.1.1. Declaration of Conformity................................................................................. 8
1.1.2. Target Audience............................................................................................... 8
1.1.3. Intended Application......................................................................................... 8
1.1.4. Not intended Application .................................................................................. 9
1.1.5. Safety Installations........................................................................................... 9
1.1.6. Impact of the Warning Notices ......................................................................... 9
1.2. Fundamental Advices .............................................................................................10
1.2.1. Preface ...........................................................................................................10
1.2.2. Security Warnings...........................................................................................10
1.2.3. Commissioning and Operating Method ...........................................................10
1.2.4. Control of the Operating Status.......................................................................11
1.2.5. Decommissioning............................................................................................11
1.2.6. Storage...........................................................................................................11
1.2.7. Electricity.........................................................................................................12
1.2.8. Mechanics.......................................................................................................12
1.2.9. Hazardous Materials .......................................................................................12
1.2.10. High Temperatures .........................................................................................12
2. Equipment ....................................................................................................................13
2.1. Descriptions............................................................................................................14
2.1.1. Module 1.1/1.2/1.3: The Measurement chamber.............................................17
2.1.2. Module 2.1. Beta Irradiation ............................................................................18
2.1.3. Module 2.2.: Alpha irradiation..........................................................................18
2.1.4. Module 3: Heating unit ....................................................................................19
2.1.5. Module 4.1/4.2/4.3: Green/IR/blue excitation...................................................19
2.1.6. Module 5.1.1/5.1.2/5.1.3/5.1.4: PMT Modules.................................................20
2.1.7. Module 5.2.1: EMCCD Unit.............................................................................22
2.1.8. Modules 6 .......................................................................................................23
2.1.9. Module 6.1.1: PMT optics adaption & filter changing unit................................24
2.1.10. Module 6.1.2: Extended PMT optics adaption & filter changing unit ................24
2.1.11. Module 6.1.3: Reduced PMT optics unit..........................................................25
2.1.12. Module 6.2.1: Imaging optics adaption & filter changing unit for TL/OSL
measurement position.....................................................................................25
2.1.13. Module 6.2.2: Imaging optics adaption & filter changing unit for RF
measurement position.....................................................................................26
2.1.14. Module 7.1: LED-based monochrome light irradiation unit ..............................27
2.1.15. Module 7.2: LED-based solar simulation unit ..................................................27
2.2. Installation ..............................................................................................................28

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2.3. Operation................................................................................................................28
2.4. Construction Drawing..............................................................................................29
2.4.1. Electrical wiring...............................................................................................30
2.4.2. Specification....................................................................................................30
3. Software .......................................................................................................................31
3.1. How to get start.......................................................................................................31
3.2. Overview.................................................................................................................31
3.2.1. Application status............................................................................................32
3.2.2. Menu bar.........................................................................................................32
3.2.3. Sample list ......................................................................................................32
3.2.4. Measurement flow...........................................................................................33
3.2.5. First aid...........................................................................................................33
3.2.6. Main window...................................................................................................33
3.2.7. Hardware module status .................................................................................33
3.3. Connection and Initialization...................................................................................34
3.4. Typical workflow –making a measurement.............................................................34
3.4.1. Load and unload a sample..............................................................................34
3.4.2. Creating a sequence.......................................................................................36
3.4.3. Assigning a sequence to a sample slot ...........................................................37
3.4.4. Starting a measurement..................................................................................37
3.4.5. Handle measurement data..............................................................................38
3.5. Special hardware characteristics.............................................................................39
3.5.1. EMCCD-camera..............................................................................................39
3.5.2. Spectrometer ..................................................................................................40
3.6. Handling particular cases........................................................................................40
3.6.1. Change the IP-address ...................................................................................40
3.6.2. Editing cooling power and evacuation time......................................................41
3.6.3. Breaking a measurement................................................................................41
3.6.4. Initialization after an Incident –First aid menu.................................................42
4. Service and Repair.......................................................................................................44
4.1. Service....................................................................................................................44
4.1.1. Checking the system pressures ......................................................................44
4.1.2. Lift up the measurement chamber...................................................................45
4.1.3. Cleaning the measurement chamber...............................................................46
4.1.4. Cleaning the chamber windows.......................................................................47
4.1.5. Exchanging detection filter ..............................................................................50
4.1.6. Access to internal sample loading/unloading unit............................................51
4.1.7. Heater exchange.............................................................................................51
4.2. Spare parts.............................................................................................................52
5. Physical Background ....................................................................................................53

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5.1. Literature ................................................................................................................53
Attachment: Radiation source documentation ......................................................................54

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Table of Figures
Figure 1: lexsyg modular luminescence reader ....................................................................13
Figure 2: technical overview of lexsyg..................................................................................14
Figure 3: sample handling....................................................................................................15
Figure 4: sample loading lid..................................................................................................16
Figure 5: automated detector changing unit, with up to four detectors..................................16
Figure 3: overview on the different module configuration options .........................................18
Figure 7: OSL irradiation unit................................................................................................20
Figure 8: overview on the most widely used detection windows [1].......................................23
Figure 9: figure technical drawings: see enlarged version at the end of the document .........29
Figure 10: Electrical wiring ...................................................................................................30
Figure 11: Lexsyg Studio link................................................................................................31
Figure 12: start screen of the application..............................................................................31
Figure 13: application status.................................................................................................32
Figure 14: menu bar.............................................................................................................32
Figure 15: sequence library..................................................................................................36
Figure 16: sequence editor...................................................................................................37
Figure 17: measurement status............................................................................................37
Figure 18: data view.............................................................................................................38
Figure 19: EMCCD control ...................................................................................................39
Figure 20: spectrometer control............................................................................................40
Figure 21: options menu.......................................................................................................41
Figure 22: first aid menu.......................................................................................................42
Figure 23: system pressures overview .................................................................................44
Figure 24: checking system pressures .................................................................................45
Figure 25: measurement chamber screws............................................................................45
Figure 26: lift the measurement chamber .............................................................................45
Figure 27: manual moving of the sample arm.......................................................................46
Figure 28: plugs of the OSL-unit...........................................................................................47
Figure 29: screws of the OSL-unit........................................................................................47
Figure 30: moving the OSL-unit............................................................................................47
figure 32: overview of the OSL-unit.......................................................................................48
figure 33: removing the plugs of the extra TL position ..........................................................48
figure 34: fastener of the extra Tl position.............................................................................48

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figure 35: opening the extra TL position................................................................................49
figure 36: schematic of the filterwheel...................................................................................50
figure 37: opening for changing filters...................................................................................50
figure 38: location of the loading/unloading unit....................................................................51
figure 39: removing the loading/unloading unit .....................................................................51
figure 40: maintenance panel for changing the heater unit ...................................................52
figure 41: removedmaintenance panelwith visibleheater unit................................................52

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1. Introduction
1.1. Important Information
1.1.1. Declaration of Conformity
All lexsyg equipment from Freiberg Instruments is conform to the European legal provision
about the electromagnetic compatibility (89/336/EWG), the directive of the modification of CE
marking (93/68/EWG), the EG machine directive (2006/42/EG) and the EG low tension
directive (73/23/EWG).
The CE sign is arranged on the specification plate. Please attend on the obligatory national
and local regulations!
Through a non-coordinated modification of the equipment this declaration loses its validity.
1.1.2. Target Audience
The manual is written for the operating personal of the lexsyg(luminexcence excitation
system for geological and archaeological applications).
The operators should have the essential professional competence for all work with the
equipment.
The personal is obliged to read and completely understand the manual.
The documentation ought to be placed in reach of the equipment.
1.1.3. Intended Application
• The handler is in charge to only use the lexsyg equipment in the descript manner.
• The handling of the measuring equipment is only allowed subjected to the conditions
named:
–in this manual
–on the specification plate
–in the technical specification corresponding to the respective brief.

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• The lexsyg equipment is used for luminescence measurements either by thermal (TL),
optical (OSL) or radiation (RF) stimulation. It is configured for the measurement of certain
materials.
1.1.4. Not intended Application
All applications notwithstanding the technical data on the specification plate or the terms
named in the contract of delivery and the usage with missing or damaged safety installations
is prohibited.
1.1.5. Safety Installations
The following arrangements serve the security of the operating personal:
• electrical access with grounding conductor and safety plug
• laser protection service
• mechanical safety doors with safety key
• electronic safety precautions
• software safety routines
• for radiation safety precautions see attachment one
Without any of these installations a usage of the equipment is forbidden.
1.1.6. Impact of the Warning Notices
Observe the warning notices! They are distinguished:
Warning notice:

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1.2. Fundamental Advices
1.2.1. Preface
It’s necessary to consider the warning notices. The defiance can lead to damage of healthy
and property.
Service and repairing of the equipment is only allowed to skilled personal.
The removal of the whole equipment or single parts should be carried out by consideration of
the local legal regulations.
1.2.2. Security Warnings
1. Warning notice: Usage of LASER radiation! The radiation source is placed in the
lower department of the system. Don’t expose any body parts, e.g. eyes, arms, to the
radiation! This will lead to irreversible damages. All works at this partition of the
equipment should only be carried out by members of Freiberg Instruments.
2. Warning notice: Usage of alpha and beta radiation source! All legal precautions
have to be followed and special training as well as constant observation of operator
depending on the local regulations is required. For details see attachment one.
1.2.3. Commissioning and Operating Method
The equipment is constructed for luminescence measurements of mineral grains.
Transport:
Lexsyg systems are well prepared for transport. Open the cases carefully.
Warning: secure the system from tilting. It has a high balance point.

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Commissioning occurs by:
1. Positioning the equipment on a horizontal area.
2. Connecting with the main supply, as shown on the “lexsyg supply” document.
Depending on configuration and intended use: nitrogen (helium), air pressure,
vacuum, electrical power, LAN
3. Switching-on the master controller
4. Starting the connected personal computer
5. turn on the tool
Keep in mind to place the sample materials on the intended position.
Warning notice: Defiance can lead to mechanical damages of samples and equipment!
1.2.4. Control of the Operating Status
Keep an eye on the operating status! It’s displayed on the left upper corner of the monitor
and on the display.
1.2.5. Decommissioning
Decommissioning occurs by:
1. Shutting down the computer
2. turn the tool off
3. Disconnecting from the main supply
1.2.6. Storage
Only store the equipment in closed dust-free rooms.
Temperature should lie between 5 and 40 °C, relative humidity must not be higher than 80%.
Warning notice: Disconnect from the power supply when store the equipment for a longer
period of time.

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1.2.7. Electricity
The lexsyg equipment runs with 110V/230 V AC, 50/60 Hz. Internal low tension in the range
of +/-5 to +/-48 V DC is used.
For the connection with the main supply a grounding conductor is necessary (DIN VDE 0100-
410 (IEC 60364-4-41)).
Observe the local regulations! Electrical circuit points should be periodically checked (DIN
EN 0105, DIN EN 0702, BGV A2).
1.2.8. Mechanics
Inappropriate operation can cause damage of property and injuries.
Use the equipment only for compulsory measuring!
External tensions and vibrations should not be applied to the equipment!
For a better cooling of the equipment don’t place any other hardware at intervals of 20 cm.
1.2.9. Hazardous Materials
An assignment of hazardous materials is not intended.
1.2.10. High Temperatures
The equipment can be warmed up by electrical lost heat. It’s not allowed to excess a
temperature of 40 °C!

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2. Equipment
LEXSYG is a luminescence reader designed and constructed by Freiberg Instruments in co-
operation with luminescence research and dating laboratories [ 1].
It is a highly flexible modular system for measuring different kinds of luminescence using
thermal, optical or ionizing radiation stimulation (i.e. TL, OSL/IRSL and RL) especially in
luminescence dating (geo-/archaeochronometry), mineralogical research, solid state
dosimetry, radiation control and material sciences.
A basic measurement chamber can be equipped with a variety of modules for irradiation,
luminescence stimulation and detection. Thus a versatile luminescence research instrument
can be built up. However, each modular unit incl. its unique features can be used in a more
conventional arrangement, e.g. a basic TL or TL/OSL reader.
Figure 1: lexsyg modular luminescence reader

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2.1. Descriptions
Figure 2: technical overview of lexsyg
Sample handling
Sample storage and measurement is separated in order to prevent crosstalk. Samples are
transported by a pneumatic handling system from the storage position to the measurement
chamber. On top of the measurement chamber several excitation devices and detectors are
arranged in a modular way to allow a flexible tool operation. For detailed options see the
“module” descriptions. After 10 million handling steps the positioning tolerance rises up to
0.02 mm according to supplier specifications, equals a constant operation of above 30 years.

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Figure 3: sample handling
Loading
Several samples can be loaded at the same time by using the loading lid (Figure 4). Samples
can be exchanged at almost any time during the measurement procedure. Measurement
sequence selection has to be done by operation software. Loading position assignment can
be done by operation software as well as using the buttons at the front side of the system.

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Figure 4: sample loading lid
Pneumatics
Pneumatics is used for sample handling from storage wheel to the measurement position
and for opening the radiation source shutters. All components are chosen from standard
automation companies with mean times between failures of several hundred thousand
cycles. Valves can be found at the left side of the tool in the installation section.
Electronics
Two electronic departments are used. One for power conversion from AC to DC in the back
of the tool in the installation section. Main programmable electronic for tool operation can be
found at the front side of the tool in the installation section.
Figure 5: automated detector changing unit, with up to four detectors

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2.1.1. Module 1.1/1.2/1.3: The Measurement chamber
Each lexsyg instrument consists of a measurement chamber prepared for modular
extensions for measuring different kind of luminescence.
prepared for vacuum (≤ 10 mbar) and inert-gas purging
80 samples storage with automatically sample changer
independent operation of chamber and sample-disc reservoir
adapts beta- and alpha irradiation units, different units for luminescence light
detection and for simulating solar light
low radiation emission
negligible radiation exposure of stored samples and irradiation source leakage dose
effects
easy handling and safe service
display for load/unload, sequence and status information
1x TL/OSL measurements
1x Beta-irradiation + RF measurements
1x additional measurement position** (module 1.2/1.3)
1x additional irradiation position (Alpha/Beta) (module 1.2/1.3)
1x “solar light” irradiation (LED or fiber-coupled simulator)***
1x Detector Wheel [changes up to 4 detection units (CCD(s) / PMT(s)
/ fiber-coupled detectors) between TL/OSL and RF (Beta
Irradiation) position] (module 1.3)
* Up to 2 detector positions can hold an automatic filter changer
** The additional measurement position is not suitable for a second OSL stimulation unit and has only limited filter-
change capacity. It is useful for TL, ITL or RP measurements, with an additional detector (e.g. special PMT, light guide
coupled spectrometer) in fixed configuration (not automatically changeable).
*** If not used for a light source an additional detection unit can be adapted at fixed position

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Figure 6: overview on the different module configuration options
2.1.2. Module 2.1. Beta Irradiation
lexsyg instruments can be equipped with 2 irradiation units. The Beta-irradiation unit is
special made for RF measurements and delivers its highly uniform irradiation field also to
samples for other luminescence measurements (TL, OSL, RP, ...).The Irradiation units are
delivered separately inclusive inbuilt radioactive sources.
to irradiate samples for TL, OSL etc. and for RF measurements
Radioisotope: Sr-90; activity: ≤ 1.8 GBq; dose rate ca. 0.08 – 0.1 Gy/s
high homogeneity of dose rate distribution at irradiation area:
≤ (± 2.5 %)) @ 8 mm diameter
≤ (± 3.5 %)) @ 10 mm diameter
includes shutter unit (minimum open/close cycle time 0.5 s)
easy and safe service for regular wipe-test
permission for handling irradiator must be sent to manufacturer at time of ordering
2.1.3. Module 2.2.: Alpha irradiation
The Alpha-unit is just designed for irradiation. The Irradiation units are delivered separately
inclusive inbuilt radioactive sources.
to irradiate samples (max. 10 mm diameter) for TL, OSL etc.

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recommended for dating techniques where the alpha-component has to be
determined (e.g. fine-grain, flint)
Radioisotope: Am-241
vacuum irradiation, fully software controlled
includes shutter unit (minimum open/close cycle time 0.5 s)
easy and safe service for regular wipe-test
permission for handling irradiator must be sent to manufacturer at time of ordering
2.1.4. Module 3: Heating unit
Thermoluminescence (TL), preheat (PH) of materials or elevated temperature measurements
(e.g. standard Quartz SAR-protocol) need a heater. LEXSYG luminescence readers can
also use this unit for elevated temperature irradiation (at ionizing irradiation and “solar-light”
position) and measurements (elevated temperature RL). Measurements are possible during
any part of a heating/cooling cycle, which may simply be a heating ramp but also consist of a
series of different steps. An extended software version (see software options section 12.)
includes further possibilities, e.g. programmable cooling and non-linear heating/cooling
functions.
temperature: room temperature (RT) to 700 deg. Celsius (higher temp. on request)
heating rate: 0.1 –10.0 K/s (@ Tmax= 500 °C; 0.1-5.0 K/s (@ Tmax= 700 °C higher
heating rates on request
highly flexible step-wise programming of heating cooling cycles within system
parameters (i.e. temperature and heating/cooling rates)
Software options for further temperature control (e.g. non-linear functions, see 12.)
2.1.5. Module 4.1/4.2/4.3: Green/IR/blue excitation
lexsyg instruments can be equipped with an fiber-optics based OSL stimulation unit which
allows the independent, parallel use of up to 3 different IR, VIS or UV lasers for highly

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uniform excitation by light. The power of each laser light-source at the sample can be
software adjusted constant or can be ramped (e.g. LM-OSL). Software options (see section
12.) allow further flexible use (e.g. non-linear CW functions, special pulsing modes, time-
resolved measurements).
unit with up to 3 laser-light sources
850 nm (max. 150 mW), 532 nm (max. 75 mW), 478 nm (max. 40 mW) laser
stimulation
uniformity of light irradiation < (± 5%) at 8 mm sample diameter
individual independent use of each laser also together with heater
light detectors are software-protected if automatically filter-changer are in use
Figure 7: OSL irradiation unit
Each laser is separated into eight fibres. Seven for homogeneous sample irradiation and one
for optical laser power stabilization. Detection takes place through the central main axis.
2.1.6. Module 5.1.1/5.1.2/5.1.3/5.1.4: PMT Modules
Each lexsyg instrument can hold at least 2 luminescence detection units (can be extended by
up to 4). PMT units with different spectral characteristics, EMCCD-camera based spatially
resolved (e.g for single-grain measurement) or wavelength resolved (luminescence
spectrometry) as well as special units (e.g. for potassium concentration determination of
feldspar samples) are available.