Design of a Virtual MCA and Its Use in Radiation Spectrometer

In the present study, a virtual MCA (multichannel analyzer) which could be used in a radiation detection spectrometer was developed by writing a code through software functions. It was compared with a real MCA, and so the performance of the virtual MCA was tested. Spectra were displayed in the real MCA and the virtual MCA for different source-to-detector distances. Total counts, photopeak counts, live time, percentage dead time and energy resolution values obtained from both MCAs were compared with each other. Besides, obtained results and the spectrum shapes displayed in the virtual MCA were compared with those of the real one.