Digital signal processing and zero-dead-time counting

Abstract

One of the most recent developments in equipment for high and/or varying count rates, as encountered in the gamma-ray spectrometry needed for INAA via short-lived radionuclides, is the advent of EG&G Ortec's DSPECplus™. This all-in-one apparatus provides digital signal processing and zero-dead-time counting. One such DSPEC unit was tested at IRI with respect to performance as a function of count rate. Optimum parameter settings for different applications were established. It is concluded that this spectrometer allows for measurements with count rates up to at least 10 5 cps with an accuracy of a few percent (depending on the calibration approach), a peak position stability of 5.10 -3 %. and a peak width stability of 5%. It is also concluded that the normal spectrum provides a good estimate for the uncertainties in the zero-dead-time spectrum acquired with this spectrometer.