Enabling PSD-capability for a High-density Channel Imager

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel approach to pulse shape discrimination (PSD) for high-density channel imagers by utilizing a commercial ASIC with adjustable pulse shaping, enabling faster and more efficient neutron-gamma separation.

Contribution

It introduces a new PSD implementation method using a commercial ASIC with adjustable shaping time, reducing processing time and memory requirements for high-density applications.

Findings

PSD achieved by maximizing response differences to neutrons and gamma rays

ASIC with adjustable shaping time enables effective PSD

Potential for faster, more efficient neutron detection in security applications

Abstract

Pulse shape discrimination (PSD) is crucial for non-proliferation and security applications, where fast neutrons need to be identified and measured in the presence of a strong gamma-ray background. The traditional charge-integration-based PSD method requires the storage and processing of hundreds of samples for every single pulse, which is time- and memory-consuming for high-density channel applications. In this work, we explored the possibility of implementing PSD using a commercial ASIC that allows the user to adjust the pulse shaping time. We demonstrated that PSD can be achieved by maximizing the difference between the pulse shaping circuit's responses to neutron and gamma-ray pulses.