Count rate limitations for pulse-counting instrumentation in pulsed accelerator fields

Health Phys. 2012 Jan;102(1):8-24. doi: 10.1097/HP.0b013e3182232428.

Abstract

This paper discusses various concepts involved in the counting losses of pulse-counting health physics instrumentation when used within the pulsed radiation environments of typical accelerator fields in order to preestablish appropriate limitations in use. Discussed are the "narrow" pulse and the "wide" pulse cases, the special effect of neutron moderating assemblies, and the effect of pulse fine microstructure on the counting losses of the pulse-counting instrumentation. In the narrow-pulse case, the accelerator pulse width is less than or equal to the instrument's dead time; whereas in the wide-pulse case, the accelerator pulse width is significantly longer than the instrument's dead time. Examples are provided that highlight the various concepts and limitations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Algorithms
  • Equipment Design
  • Health Physics / methods
  • Humans
  • Ions
  • Particle Accelerators / instrumentation*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Protection / instrumentation*
  • Radiometry / methods*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • United States

Substances

  • Ions