Application of blind source separation algorithms to the preamplifier's output signals of an HPGe detector used in gamma-ray spectrometry

Abstract

In this article, we investigate the application of blind source separation methods to extract independent components from signals recorded at the output of detectors used in γ-ray spectrometry. First, we calculate the probability density and the autocorrelation functions of each recorded signal. This allowed us to confirm that the independent component analysis algorithms, based on the computation of higher order statistics, are the best one to solve the blind source separation problem in our case of study. Among all algorithms of this approach, only four are found to be stable. The classification of these algorithms according to their performance index of separability showed that the symmetric pre-whitening algorithm is the most efficient one to achieve the separation task. Tests were performed in the presence and the absence of gamma radiation emitter.

Neutron Flux Monitoring Based on Blind Source Separation Algorithms in Moroccan TRIGA MARK II Reactor

“…The application of new digital signal processing methods, the so-called Blind Source Separation (BSS), on nuclear data was introduced by Mekaoui et al [7][8][9]. It was used, as mentioned above, for the detection and identification of gamma radiation emitters and for solving the pileup problem at the output of HPGe preamplifier used in gamma spectrometry chains.…”

“…That is why they have been used in several scientific fields to solve numerous problems (audio signal processing, astronomy, biomedical engineering, telecommunications, and geophysics) [6]. Recently, Mekaoui et al have used these methods for gamma spectrometry data processing [7]. Thus, their work aims at detecting and identifying gamma-emitters using only the signals recorded at the HPGe preamplifier's output signals [7,8].…”

“…Recently, Mekaoui et al have used these methods for gamma spectrometry data processing [7]. Thus, their work aims at detecting and identifying gamma-emitters using only the signals recorded at the HPGe preamplifier's output signals [7,8]. Also, they tried to solve the pileup problem at the HPGe output [7,9].…”

“…Thus, their work aims at detecting and identifying gamma-emitters using only the signals recorded at the HPGe preamplifier's output signals [7,8]. Also, they tried to solve the pileup problem at the HPGe output [7,9]. This encouraged us to apply these powerful signal processing algorithms to control the neutron flux in Moroccan TRIGA MARK II Reactor.…”

Blind source separation of HPGe output signals: a new pulse pile-up correction method

“…In this survey, which represents a continuation of our previous work [14], we are interested in processing and analyzing the signal at the output of an HPGe detector in order to correct the pulse pile-up. This phenomenon occurs when the incidence times of particles are so close that the detector counts them as a single pulse.…”