Comparison Between Digital and Analog Pulse Shape Discrimination Techniques For Neutron and Gamma Ray Separation

Conference · Tue Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/NSSMIC.2005.1596302· OSTI ID:911616

Aryaeinejad, R; Hartwell, John K

Recent advancement in digital signal processing (DSP) using fast processors and computer makes it possible to be used in pulse shape discrimination applications. In this study, we have investigated the feasibility of using a DSP to distinguish between the neutrons and gamma rays by the shape of their pulses in a liquid scintillator detector (BC501), and have investigated pulse shape-based techniques to improve the resolution performance of room-temperature cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors. For the neutron/gamma discrimination, the advantage of using a DSP over the analog method is that in analog system two separate charge-sensitive ADC's are required. One ADC is used to integrate the beginning of the pulse risetime while the second ADC is for integrating the tail part. Using a DSP eliminates the need for separate ADCs as one can easily get the integration of two parts of the pulse from the digital waveforms. This work describes the performance of these DSP techniques and compares the results with the analog method.

• Research Organization: Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC07-99ID13727
• OSTI ID: 911616
• Report Number(s): INL/CON-05-00284
• Conference Information: IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium,Puerto Rico,10/23/2005,10/30/2005
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ANALOG SYSTEMS
CADMIUM
COMPUTERS
Gamma rays
LIQUID SCINTILLATORS
Neutron
NEUTRONS
PERFORMANCE
PROCESSING
Radiation detection
RESOLUTION
SHAPE
WAVE FORMS
ZINC TELLURIDES