Experiment 8

Study of a Gamma Spectrum using a Single Channel Analyzer I

Apparatus
Scintillation detector, stand for supporting the detector, scalar with HV power supply, pre-
amplifier, and timer, radiation source (136Cs), forceps for handling source, and single channel
analyzer.
Single Channel Analyzer (SCA)
The important instrument in this experiment is the Single Channel Analyzer (SCA), and the basic
part of this instrument is the electronic filters. There are two filters (the upper filter and the lower
filter) and the anti-coincidence circuit.
When a pulse comes out from the two filters at the same time to the anti-coincidence, it does not
register any count. But, when pulses come at different times, the anti-coincidence circuit registers
an exit pulse.

Theory
When photons fall on the detector they create luminescence. This light is changed to electrons by
the photocathode, and finally it is collected by the collecting anode. This leads to electric pulses
which are transferred to the two filters, lower (E) and the upper at (E+E). When the pulse is
between (E) and (E+E), the anti-coincidence circuit registers this pulse. If it is higher or lower
than this limit, it will not be counted. For this reason, it is possible to register pulses of certain
amplitude (pulse height). This amplitude is directly proportional to the incident photon energy. So
to draw gamma spectra, the value of E changes from zero to maximum value where the window
E should remain constant and the readings of the counter should be recorded during fixed
duration.
If we draw the relation between E (pulse height) and the reading of the counter (number of pulses
at each pulse height), we will get a gamma radiation spectrum.

Procedure
1. Connect the scintillation detector with the power supply and adjust the operating voltage.
2. Put the selector key to the position (window).
3. Put the upper filter (window) E at 2%.
4. Put the lower filter E at 320.
5. Place the 137Cs source at a suitable fixed distance.
6. Raise the amplifier setting gradually until the scaler starts to count.
7. Fix the amplification at this position and do not change its value during the experiment.
8. Turn the lower filter to zero position.
9. Start to register the count rate for one minute (CPM), taking the average of two readings.
10. Change the position of the lower filter gradually by 20 each time.
11. Record the readings until the count rate reaches zero.
12. Tabulate your results.
13. Draw the relation between pulse height and the number of pulses.
14. Find out the position of the photo-peak and the Compton edge.
15. Evaluate the Full Width Half Maximum (FWHM) of the photo-peak.
16. From this get the resolution of the detector as follows:
𝐹𝑊𝐻𝑀
𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 (𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) = × 100%
𝑃𝑒𝑎𝑘 𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛