Digital Techniques for High-Rate High-Resolution Radiation Measurements

Digital pulse processing (DPP) techniques are increasingly used in the development of modern spectroscopic systems. DPP systems, based on direct digitizing and processing of detector signals (preamplifier output signals), ensure higher flexibility, stability, lower dead time, higher throughput and better energy resolution than traditional pulse processing systems. In this work, we present our progress in the development of DPP systems for high-rate high-resolution radiation measurements. An innovative digital system, able to perform multi-parameter analysis (input counting rate, pulse height, pulse shape, event arrival time, etc.) even at high photon counting rates is presented. Experimental results with CdTe detectors (planar and pixel detectors) are presented, at both low and high counting rate environments (up to 2 Mcps).