Extending the dynamic range of nuclear pulse spectrometers
- Department of Physics, University of Milano, via Celoria 16, I-20133 Milano (Italy)
- University of Koeln, IKP, Zuelpicher Strasse 77, D-50937 Koeln (Germany)
- INFN Padova, via Marzolo 8, I-35131 Padova (Germany)
Using an innovative time-varying front-end electronics in conjunction with a bulky coaxial high-purity germanium detector, we were able to extend the range of the radionuclide spectra well beyond the analog to digital converter (ADC) saturation point. The electronics automatically conditions the signal for digital-filtering optimization if it is in the ADC voltage range and for time-over-threshold analysis if it exceeds the ADC range. A high spectroscopic resolution has been achieved in both operation ranges. An unprecedented wide energy range from 5 keV to 150 MeV of equivalent energy, or 90 dB, has been obtained using a single acquisition chain, while maintaining a high-energy resolution in the whole spectrum. For example, with an ADC range of 3 MeV a resolution has been obtained of 1.3/2.2 keV full width at half maximum on the 122/1332 keV gamma-ray lines of {sup 57}Co and {sup 60}Co, and of <0.4% in the time-over-threshold region, or for energy deposits beyond 3 MeV.
- OSTI ID:
- 21123838
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 79, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.2894305; (c) 2008 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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