Pulse loss and counting statistics with a digital spectrometer

A commercially available digital gamma-ray spectrometer is tested at high c ount rates using a germanium detector and appropriate pulse processing para meters. Correction for pulse loss due to dead time and pileup is done by ex tending the live time according to the Gedcke-Hale method. The accuracy of this count-loss correction technique is tested experimentally up to saturat ion count rates. Also the statistical uncertainty applicable to the total n umber of counts in arbitrary regions of interest in gamma-ray spectra is st udied experimentally, for measurements at fixed real time as well as at fix ed live time. The results are similar to those found with traditional spect rometers using analog technology, (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.