Innovative Methods of Signal Processing for Hydrogen-Filled Proportional Counters

Proportional counters filled with hydrogen are suitable for fast neutron detection and spectrometry. As their sensitivity is not limited only to this type of ionizing radiation as desired, an approach suitable for event discrimination was investigated. Several counters of the given construction were subjected to various radiation fields and the effort was directed to the examination of pulse shape discrimination method intended to distinguish neutrons from gamma rays and parasitic events (microdischarges) if these also occurred. Rising edge duration of the output pulses and their amplitudes were mapped into diagrams enabling visual discrimination while the criteria for further computational processes are to be determined. Pulse waveforms from charge-sensitive preamplifier with the proportional counters connected were recorded using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based custom-build acquisition unit and then postprocessed. Moreover, the possibility of operation verification and energy calibration based on the introduction of helium-3 admixture into the gas filling was studied, as well as the energy resolution abilities. In addition, the theoretical basis for particle discrimination is presented in the form of description of events and principles involved.