Abstract: A method for automatic Pole-Zero adjustment in a radiation measurement system, the method including steps of: receiving a plurality of pulses from a radiation detector; for each of the plurality of pulses, synthesizing a multiple-peak pulse shape; and using the amplitude measurement of individual peaks in each of the multiple-peak pulse shapes to adjust the pole-zero of the radiation measurement system.

Abstract: A method for automatic Pole-Zero adjustment in a radiation measurement system, the method including steps of: receiving a plurality of pulses from a radiation detector; for each of the plurality of pulses, synthesizing a multiple-peak pulse shape; and using the amplitude measurement of individual peaks in each of the multiple-peak pulse shapes to adjust the pole-zero of the radiation measurement system.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for carrying it out, for processing pulses derived from a radiation detector, those pulses having already been resolved by a pulse-height analyzer into channels having respective addresses indicative of their respective heights. The method includes steps of receiving a plurality of channel-address values from the pulse-height analyzer, averaging over a window selected ones of the channel-address values to obtain an average channel address for the selected channel-address values, and using the average channel address to increment the content of a spectrum channel. Speed and accuracy of execution of the method may be optimized if a criterion for selecting channel-address values for averaging is made variable so as to permit recycling of the channel addresses and so as to avoid counting losses.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for carrying it out, for processing pulses derived from a radiation detector, those pulses having already been resolved by a pulse-height analyzer into channels having respective addresses indicative of their respective heights. The method includes steps of receiving a plurality of channel-address values from the pulse-height analyzer, averaging over a window selected ones of the channel-address values to obtain an average channel address for the selected channel-address values, and using the average channel address to increment the content of a spectrum channel. Speed and accuracy of execution of the method may be optimized if a criterion for selecting channel-address values for averaging is made variable so as to permit recycling of the channel addresses and so as to avoid counting losses.

Abstract: A circuit and method for processing digitized analog signals (“input signals”) containing noise as well as maxima and minima of input signal, whereby local peaks and valleys of the input signal are detected and captured in the presence of the noise, and whereby peak detection attributable only to noise is suppressed.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a stabilized scintillation detector, comprising: a light source that periodically produces a light pulse; distribution means that impinges some of the light pulse on a first photodetector and on a second photodetector; a scintillator that receives radiation and is coupled to the second photodetector; and a control unit that receives signals from the first photodetector and the second photodetector representative of the light pulse received by the first photodetector and the second photodetector and outputs, in part, a signal to the second photodetector to stabilize the second photodetector. A method of using the scintillator is also provided.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a stabilized scintillation detector, including: an LED that periodically produces a light pulse; a beam splitter that impinges some of the light pulse on a photodetector and on a photomultiplier; a scintillator that receives radiation and is coupled to the photomultiplier; and a control unit that receives signals from the photodetector and the photomultiplier representative of the light pulse received by the photodetector and the photomultiplier and receives a signal representative of temperature of the scintillator and outputs, in part, a signal to the photomultiplier to stabilize the photomultiplier. A method of using the scintillator is also provided.

Abstract: A method of providing real time digital pulse shaping includes: receiving a digital pulse input signal (31); applying the digital pulse input signal to first (33, 34, 35) and second (32, 36, 37) processing channels, the first processing channel including a CONCAVE shaper (34) and the second processing channel including a CONVEX shaper (36); applying selected digital control parameters to the CONCAVE shaper (34) and the CONVEX shaper (36) to produce desired first and second weigthing functions, and superposing the first and second weighting functions to produce a desired overall weighting function.

Abstract: A method of providing real time digital pulse shaping includes: receiving a digital pulse input signal (31); applying the digital pulse input signal to first (33, 34, 35) and second (32, 36, 37) processing channels, the first processing channel including a CONCAVE shaper (34) and the second processing channel including a CONVEX shaper (36); applying selected digital control parameters to the CONCAVE shaper (34) and the CONVEX shaper (36) to produce desired first and second weigthing functions, and superposing the first and second weighting functions to produce a desired overall weighting function.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a charge sensitive preamplifier for a radiation detector, including: an amplifier having a JFET input (stage) and a capacitive feedback element, the amplifier producing an output voltage (pulse) proportional to a charge (pulse) deposited at the JFET input by the radiation detector; and circuitry connected to the amplifier output and to a source node of the JFET to provide to the source node a pulsed reset signal.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, method and apparatus for instant pole-zero correction for digital radiation spectrometers. In another embodiment, there are provided method and apparatus for instant pole-zero correction for digital radiation spectrometers with automatic attenuator calibration.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a charge sensitive preamplifier for a radiation detector, including: an amplifier having a JFET input (stage) and a capacitive feedback element, the amplifier producing an output voltage (pulse) proportional to a charge (pulse) deposited at the JFET input by the radiation detector; and circuitry connected to the amplifier output and to a source node of the JFET to provide to the source node a pulsed reset signal.