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Pulse pile-up in hard X-ray detector systemsWhen pulse-height spectra are measured by a nuclear detection system at high counting rates, the probability that two or more pulses will arrive within the resolving time of the system is significant. This phenomenon, pulse pile-up, distorts the pulse-height spectrum and must be considered in the interpretation of spectra taken at high counting rates. A computational technique for the simulation of pile-up is developed. The model is examined in the three regimes where (1) the time between pulses is long compared to the detector-system resolving time, (2) the time between pulses is comparable to the resolving time, and (3) many pulses occur within the resolving time. The technique is used to model the solar hard X-ray experiment on the OSO-7 satellite; comparison of the model with data taken during three large flares shows excellent agreement. The paper also describes rule-of-thumb tests for pile-up and identifies the important detector design factors for minimizing pile-up, i.e., thick entrance windows and short resolving times in the system electronics.
Document ID
19760042315
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Datlowe, D. W.
(California, University San Diego, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1975
Publication Information
Publication: Space Science Instrumentation
Volume: 1
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Accession Number
76A25281
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7161
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-11081
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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