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Updated: May 16, 2026
10:17
20 mJ, 1 ps Yb:YAG Thin-disk Regenerative Amplifier
Published on: July 12, 2017
A real-time n/γ digital pulse shape discriminator based on FPGA
Shiping Li1, Xiufeng Xu, Hongrui Cao
1Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China. liship@mail.ustc.edu.cn
Summary
A novel Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) based digital pulse shape discriminator effectively separates neutrons from gammas in mixed radiation fields. This technology achieves excellent discrimination quality and zero dead time for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
Area of Science:
- Nuclear instrumentation
- Fusion energy research
Background:
- Accurate neutron detection is crucial for fusion reactor monitoring.
- Distinguishing neutrons from gamma rays in mixed fields presents a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a real-time digital pulse shape discriminator for neutron detection.
- To enhance the performance of the Neutron Flux Monitor (NFM) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
Main Methods:
- Utilized Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for parallel and pipeline processing.
- Implemented simultaneous rise time and amplitude inspection techniques for pulse shape discrimination.
- Integrated the discriminator into the Neutron Flux Monitor (NFM) system.
Main Results:
- Achieved effective real-time separation of neutrons and gammas in mixed radiation fields.
- Demonstrated excellent neutron/gamma discrimination quality.
- Verified zero dead time performance of the developed discriminator.
Conclusions:
- The FPGA-based real-time digital pulse shape discriminator meets the NFM requirements for ITER.
- The developed system offers a robust solution for neutron detection in fusion environments.
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