Evaluation of digital pulse processing techniques for a β-γ coincidence counting system

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics and Instrumentation
• Digital Signal Processing
• Metrology

Background:

• Radioactivity measurement systems rely heavily on signal processing, impacting results significantly.
• Modernization of analog electronics in primary measurement systems necessitates digital solutions.
• The Institute of Radiation Physics (IRA) is digitalizing its beta-gamma coincidence counting system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the digital pulse processing (DPP) stage for the IRA's beta-gamma coincidence counting system.
• To evaluate different digital filters and timing algorithms for improved performance.
• To provide a rational basis for selecting the most appropriate DPP method.

Main Methods:

• Implemented six digital pulse shaping filters and amplitude calculation algorithms.
• Set up four digital timing filters and time pick-off methods (dCFD, LE).
• Tested combinations of filters and algorithms using real (241Am, 137Cs, 60Co, 166mHo) and simulated signals.

Main Results:

• Quantified performance metrics including processing speed, SNR, energy resolution, and time resolution.
• Compared traditional two-channel and single-channel configurations.
• Identified optimal filter parameters and algorithm settings for the DPP system.

Conclusions:

• The evaluation provides a rational framework for assessing DPP methods in radioactivity measurements.
• Results guide the selection of the most suitable digital pulse processing approach for the IRA system.
• This digitalization effort modernizes critical radioactivity measurement infrastructure.