{\alpha}/{\gamma} discrimination method for bulky BaF2 detector used in {\gamma} total absorption facility

TL;DR

This paper presents a method to discriminate alpha particles from gamma rays in BaF2 detectors used in gamma total absorption measurements, improving data accuracy by analyzing waveform characteristics.

Contribution

The study introduces three waveform-based algorithms for alpha/gamma discrimination in BaF2 detectors, enhancing real-time data analysis in nuclear experiments.

Findings

Effective alpha/gamma discrimination achieved

Improved accuracy of neutron capture cross section measurements

Validated methods with radioactive sources

Abstract

The gamma-ray total absorption facility (GTAF) composed of 40 BaF2 detection units is designed to measure the cross section data of neutron radiation capture reaction online, in order to comply with the experimental nuclear data sheet.We have found that one of the most important sources of experimental background is the initial alpha particles emitted by the BaF2 crystal. Developing data analysis algorithms to eliminate the influence of alpha particles in experimental data has become a key aspect. In this work, in order to meet the needs of data acquisition, online measurement and analysis of neutron radiation cross section, the GTAF data acquisition system adopts a full waveform acquisition method, which results in a large number of data recorded, transmitted, and stored during experiment, which also affects the uncertainty of the cross-section data.Based on the signal waveform characteristics of the BaF2 detection unit, in order to solve the aforementioned problems, three methods, namely the ratio of fast component to total component, pulse width, and time decay constant, are used to identify and distinguish alpha particles and gamma rays. The quality factor FOM is utilized as an evaluation value and several experiments are conducted using three radioactive sources (22Na, 137Cs, 60Co) for verification.