Neutron–gamma discrimination based on bipolar trapezoidal pulse shaping using FPGAs in NE213

A technique employing neutron–gamma pulse shape discrimination (PSD) system that overcomes pile up limitations of previous methods to distinguish neutrons from gammas in scintillation detectors is described. The output signals of detectors were digitized and processed with a data acquisition system based on bipolar trapezoidal pulse shaping using Field programmable gate arrays (FPGA). FPGAs are capable of doing complex discrete signal processing algorithms with clock rates above 100 MHz. Their low cost, ease of use and selected dedicated hardware make them an ideal option for spectrometer systems.