TY - JOUR

T1 - Modeling Photo-multiplier Gain and Regenerating Pulse Height Data for Application Development

AU - Aspinall, M.D.

AU - Jones, A.R.

N1 - Conference code: 27

PY - 2018/1

Y1 - 2018/1

N2 - Systems that adopt organic scintillation detector arrays often require a calibration process prior to the intended measurement campaign to correct for significant performance variances between detectors within the array. These differences exist because of low tolerances associated with photo-multipliertube technology and environmental influences. Differences in detector response can be corrected for by adjusting the supplied photo-multiplier tube voltage to control its gain and the effect that this has on the pulse height spectra from a gamma-only calibration source with a defined photo-peak. Automatedmethods that analyze these spectra and adjust the photomultiplier tube bias accordingly are emerging for hardware that integrate acquisition electronics and high voltage control.However, development of such algorithms require access to the hardware, multiple detectors and calibration source for prolonged periods, all with associated constraints and risks. In this work, we report on a software function and related models developed to rescale and regenerate pulse height data acquired from a single scintillation detector. Such a function could be usedto generate significant and varied pulse height data that can be used to integration-test algorithms that are capable of automatically response matching multiple detectors using pulse height spectra analysis. Furthermore, a function of this sort removes the dependence on multiple detectors, digital analyzersand calibration source. Results show a good match between the real and regenerated pulse height data. The function has also been used successfully to develop auto-calibration algorithms.

AB - Systems that adopt organic scintillation detector arrays often require a calibration process prior to the intended measurement campaign to correct for significant performance variances between detectors within the array. These differences exist because of low tolerances associated with photo-multipliertube technology and environmental influences. Differences in detector response can be corrected for by adjusting the supplied photo-multiplier tube voltage to control its gain and the effect that this has on the pulse height spectra from a gamma-only calibration source with a defined photo-peak. Automatedmethods that analyze these spectra and adjust the photomultiplier tube bias accordingly are emerging for hardware that integrate acquisition electronics and high voltage control.However, development of such algorithms require access to the hardware, multiple detectors and calibration source for prolonged periods, all with associated constraints and risks. In this work, we report on a software function and related models developed to rescale and regenerate pulse height data acquired from a single scintillation detector. Such a function could be usedto generate significant and varied pulse height data that can be used to integration-test algorithms that are capable of automatically response matching multiple detectors using pulse height spectra analysis. Furthermore, a function of this sort removes the dependence on multiple detectors, digital analyzersand calibration source. Results show a good match between the real and regenerated pulse height data. The function has also been used successfully to develop auto-calibration algorithms.

U2 - 10.1051/epjconf/201817007001

DO - 10.1051/epjconf/201817007001

M3 - Journal article

VL - 170

JO - EPJ Web of Conferences

JF - EPJ Web of Conferences

SN - 2100-014X

M1 - 07001

T2 - 27th International Conference on Advancements in Nuclear Instrumentation Measurement Methods and Their Applications

Y2 - 12 June 2017 through 13 June 2017

ER -