Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTATION
Code PHYS808
Coordinator Dr ES Paul
Physics
E.S.Paul@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of the basic electronics and electronic instrumentation used in nuclear measurements.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To be able to discuss the principles of the use of electronic instrumentation for spectroscopic, count rate and timing measurements.

(LO2) To set up and use NIM electronics for spectroscopic, count rate and timing measurements.

(LO3) To be able to optimise the time resolution performance of spectroscopic detector systems.

(LO4) To be able to design an optimum instrumentation solution for nuclear spectrometry measurements in authentic scenarios.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Mathematical skills

(S3) Analytical skills

(S4) ICT / Computational skills

(S5) Investigative skills

(S6) Communication skills


Syllabus

 

An introduction to basic electronics and circuits pulse processing, cable properties, cable accessories  Detector capacitance and noise: Pulse shaping, differentiating and integrating circuits, gaussian shaping, pole zero and baseline restoration: instrument standards, NIM, CAMAC etc: Pulse processing units, pulse counting systems, pulse height analysis systems, pulse timing systems coincidence measurements, multichannel pulse analysis. Count rates, dead time, system limitation.

Students will perform a detailed survey of the specifications and use of several electronic modules with a view to providing the optimum instrumentation solution for particular radiometric problems (e.g high count rates, low background, etc). A written report will cover this work and discuss the solution to the instrumentation for the detectors in a laboratory test for a radiation detection system.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1
Description: Lecture
Teaching Method 2
Description: Laboratory Work
Teaching Method 3
Description: Problem-based Learning.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 10

    25

    35
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 115
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a    50       
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a    50       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.