The n-γ discrimination method for over-range waveforms in digitizer.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Instrumentation and Measurement
• Radiation Detection and Spectroscopy
• Signal Processing in Physics

Background:

• Neutron-gamma discrimination is crucial in various applications, including nuclear physics research and radiation detection.
• Over-range waveforms in digitizers pose significant challenges to traditional Pulse Shape Discrimination (PSD) techniques.
• Existing methods struggle to effectively separate neutron and gamma signals when waveforms exceed the digitizer's dynamic range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an innovative PSD method for neutron-gamma discrimination in over-range waveforms.
• To investigate the impact of over-range waveforms on PSD spectrum quality and discrimination performance.
• To provide a robust solution for accurate signal processing in digitizers dealing with high-energy radiation events.

Main Methods:

• Acquisition of signal waveforms from a Californium-252 (²⁵²Cf) neutron source using a DT5751 digitizer and EJ-301 detector.
• Classification of over-range waveforms based on the number of mesa points.
• Precise setting of long and short gate positions at the end of the mesa region for enhanced discrimination.

Main Results:

• The proposed method successfully classified over-range waveforms, revealing distinct differences between neutron and gamma signals in the PSD spectra.
• Effective separation of over-range neutron signals from gamma signals was achieved.
• The technique demonstrated significant improvements in n-γ discrimination capabilities for challenging waveform data.

Conclusions:

• The developed PSD method offers an efficient and reliable approach for neutron-gamma discrimination in over-range waveforms.
• This technique enhances the data processing capabilities of digitizers in environments with mixed radiation fields.
• The findings contribute to advancing radiation detection and measurement technologies.