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Detector and method of operation

  • US 10,451,746 B2
  • Filed: 04/04/2016
  • Issued: 10/22/2019
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/02/2015
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of operation of a scintillator detector comprising a scintillator and a photodetector, the method comprising:

  • periodically producing a light pulse;

    impinging at least some of the light from a successive plurality of such light pulses onto a light-receptive part of the photodetector;

    measuring the electrical response of the photodetector;

    processing the electrical response of the photodetector to determine a pulse height and a variance of pulse height;

    numerically processing the pulse height and variance of pulse height so determined to obtain at least a first data item characteristic of the response of the photodetector;

    wherein a light source is provided configured to emit light in the ultraviolet spectrum;

    periodically producing a light pulse including light in the ultraviolet spectrum;

    impinging at least some of the UV light from a successive plurality of such light pulses onto a light-receptive part of the scintillator;

    measuring the electrical response of the scintillator;

    processing the electrical response of the scintillator to obtain at least a second data item characteristic of the response of the scintillator; and

    the use of a visible light source impinging on the photodetector to obtain the first data item and thereby a measure of photodetector gain change and the use of a separate ultraviolet light source impinging on the scintillator to obtain the second data item and thereby a measure of scintillator brightness.

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