Digital signal processing and zero-dead-time counting

One of the most recent developments in equipment for high and/or varying count rates, as encountered in the gamma-ray spectrometry needed for INAA via short-lived radionuclides, is the advent of EG and G Ortec's DSPECplusTM. This all-in-one apparatus provides digital signal processing and zero-dead-time counting. One such DSPEC unit was tested at IRI with respect to performance as a function of count rate. Optimum parameter settings for different applications were established. It is concluded that this spectrometer allows for measurements with count rates up to at least 105 cps with an accuracy of a few percent (depending on the calibration approach), a peak position stability of 5 x 10-3%. and a peak width stability of 5%. It is also concluded that the normal spectrum provides a good estimate for the uncertainties in the zero-dead-time spectrum acquired with this spectrometer. (author)