A hybrid G-M counter dead time model was derived by combining the idealized
paralyzable and non-paralyzable models. The new model involves two paramet
ers, which are the paralyzable and non-paralyzable dead times. The dead tim
es used in the model are very closely related to the physical dead time of
the G-M tube and its resolving time. To check the validity of the model, th
e decaying source method with Mn-56 was used. The corrected counting rates
by the new G-M dead time model were compared with the observed counting rat
es obtained from the measurement and gave very good agreement within 5% up
to 7 x 10(4) counts/s for a G-M tube with a dead time of about 300 mu s. (C
) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.