Pulse-shaping method for real-time neutron/gamma discrimination at low sampling rates

The Na I:Tl scintillator is an innovative material for dual-gamma-ray and neutron detection with a low ^(6)Li concentration.To achieve real-time n/γ discrimination,a zero-crossing time comparison algorithm based on trapezoidal pulse shaping was developed.The algorithm can operate efficiently at low sampling rates and was implemented on a single-probe portable digital n/γ discriminator based on a field-programmable gate array.The discriminator and Na I:Tl,^(6)Li detector were tested in a neutron-gamma mixed field produced by an ^(241)Am-Be neutron source to evaluate the performance of the algorithm.The figure of merits was measured as 2.88 at a sampling rate of 50 MHz,indicating that the discriminator with its embedded algorithm has a promising n/γ discrimination capability.Efficient discrimination at sampling rates of 40 and 25 MHz demonstrates that the capability of this method is not limited by low sampling rates.

Generation of orthogonal UWB shaping pulses based on compressed chirp signal

This study investigates a novel method to numerically generate orthogonal ultrawide band （UWB） shaping pulses based on compressed chirp signal. First, a pulse template with less than 1 ns duration time, which is used to construct a Hermitian matrix, is produced with a compressed chirp pulse. Sub-nanosecond orthogonal pulses are then generated for UWB by using the Hermitian matrix eigenvectors. The simulation results show that the power spectral density distribution of the UWB shaping pulses met the constraint of Federal communications commissions （FCC） spectral mask. The shaping pulses not only have higher spectrum utilization ratio and very short time duration but also have excellent autocorrelation and cross-correlation properties, which is an advantage to reduce the interference between multiusers. Especially, a method to produce sub-nanosecond orthogonal UWB shaping pulses by using a relatively longer duration chirp signal is presented.

The study of numerical character for femtosecond pulse shaping

This paper describes the generation of shaped femtosecond multiple pulses by using the phase-only Dammann filters in 4f femtosecond shaper and gives the experimental result of femtosecond pulse characterization by the frequency- resolved optical gating （FROG） technique. With the theoretical simulation, it concludes that the quality of the generated output array is relevant to the number of pixels and the spacing between the components.

Selective excitation and suppression of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering by shaping femtosecond pulses

Femtosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering （CARS） suffers from poor selectivity between neighbouring Raman levels due to the large bandwidth of the femtosecond pulses. This paper provides a new method to realize the selective excitation and suppression of femtosecond CARS by manipulating both the probe and pump （or Stokes） spectra. These theoretical results indicate that the CARS signals between neighbouring Raman levels are differentiated from their indistinguishable femtosecond CARS spectra by tailoring the probe spectrum, and then their selective excitation and suppression can be realized by supplementally manipulating the pump （or Stokes） spectrum with the π spectral phase step.

Artificial neural network algorithm for pulse shape discrimination in 2πα and 2πβ particle surface emission rate measurements

To enhance the accuracy of 2πα and 2πβ particle surface emission rate measurements and address the identification issues of nuclides in conventional methods, this study introduces two artificial neural network(ANN) algorithms: back-propagation(BP) and genetic algorithm-based back-propagation(GA-BP). These algorithms classify pulse signals from distinct α and β particles. Their discrimination efficacy is assessed by simulating standard pulse signals and those produced by contaminated sources, mixing α and β particles within the detector. This study initially showcases energy spectrum measurement outcomes, subsequently tests the ANNs on the measurement and validation datasets, and contrasts the pulse shape discrimination efficacy of both algorithms. Experimental findings reveal that the proportional counter's energy resolution is not ideal, thus rendering energy analysis insufficient for distinguishing between 2πα and 2πβ particles. The BP neural network realizes approximately 99% accuracy for 2πα particles and approximately 95% for 2πβ particles, thus surpassing the GA-BP's performance. Additionally, the results suggest enhancing β particle discrimination accuracy by increasing the digital acquisition card's threshold lower limit. This study offers an advanced solution for the 2πα and 2πβ surface emission rate measurement method, presenting superior adaptability and scalability over conventional techniques.

Fast Fading Channel Neural Equalization Using Levenberg-Marquardt Training Algorithm and Pulse Shaping Filters

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) equalizers have been successfully applied to mitigate Inter symbolic Interference (ISI) due to distortions introduced by linear or nonlinear communication channels. The ANN architecture is chosen according to the type of ISI produced by fixed, fast or slow fading channels. In this work, we propose a combination of two techniques in order to minimize ISI yield by fast fading channels, i.e., pulse shape filtering and ANN equalizer. Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used to update the synaptic weights of an ANN comprise only by two recurrent perceptrons. The proposed system outperformed more complex structures such as those based on Kalman filtering approach.

Generation and Shaping of Soliton-Like Pulses along Resonant Tunneling Diodes NMOS Varactors Lattice

The characteristics of N-type accumulation-mode MOS (NMOS) varactors line periodically loaded with resonant tunneling diodes (RTDs) are used for soliton-like pulses generation and shaping. The problem of wide pulse breaking up into multiple pulses rather than a single is solved. Applying perturbative analysis, we show that the dynamics of the nonlinear transmission line (NLTL) is reduced to expanded Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. Moreover, numerical integration of nonlinear differential and difference equations that result from the mathematical analysis of the line is discussed. As results, NLTL can simultaneously sharpen both leading and trailing of pulse edges and one could obtain a rising and sharpening step pulse.

Control of the photoionization/photodissociation processes of cyclopentanone with trains of femtosecond laser pulses

A train of three equally spaced femtosecond laser pulses is employed to control the photoionization/photodissociation processes of cyclopentanone. With the increase of pulse separation, a strong modulation of product ion yield is observed. More than ten-fold changes of ion yield ratio between different products can be realized. The experimental observations further explain the compositions and formation pathways of peaks in the mass spectra. The controlling mechanisms are also discussed.

Anti-noise performance of the pulse coupled neural network applied in discrimination of neutron and gamma-ray

In this study,the anti-noise performance of a pulse-coupled neural network(PCNN)was investigated in the neutron and gamma-ray(n-γ)discrimination field.The experiments were conducted in two groups.In the first group,radiation pulse signals were pre-processed using a Fourier filter to reduce the original noise in the signals,whereas in the second group,the original noise was left untouched to simulate an extremely high-noise scenario.For each part,artificial Gaussian noise with different intensity levels was added to the signals prior to the discrimination process.In the aforementioned conditions,the performance of the PCNN was evaluated and compared with five other commonly used methods of n-γdiscrimination:(1)zero crossing,(2)charge comparison,(3)vector projection,(4)falling edge percentage slope,and(5)frequency gradient analysis.The experimental results showed that the PCNN method significantly outperforms other methods with outstanding FoM-value at all noise levels.Furthermore,the fluctuations in FoM-value of PCNN were significantly better than those obtained via other methods at most noise levels and only slightly worse than those obtained via the charge comparison and zerocrossing methods under extreme noise conditions.Additionally,the changing patterns and fluctuations of the FoMvalue were evaluated under different noise conditions.Hence,based on the results,the parameter selection strategy of the PCNN was presented.In conclusion,the PCNN method is suitable for use in high-noise application scenarios for n-γdiscrimination because of its stability and remarkable discrimination performance.It does not rely on strict parameter settings and can realize satisfactory performance over a wide parameter range.

Selective triggering of phase change in dielectrics by femtosecond pulse trains based on electron dynamics control

In this study we experimentally reveal that the phase change mechanism can be selectively triggered by shaping femtosecond pulse trains based on electron dynamics control （EDC）, including manipulation of excitations, ionizations, densities, and temperatures of electrons. By designing the pulse energy distribution to adjust the absorptions, excitations, ionizations, and recombinations of electrons, the dominant phase change mechanism experiences transition from nonthermal to thermal process. This phenomenon is observed in quadruple, triple, and double pulses per train ablation of fused silica separately. This opens up possibilities for controlling phase change mechanisms by EDC, which is of great significance in laser processing of dielectrics and fabrication of integrated nano- and micro-optical devices.

Up-conversion luminescence tuning in Er^3+ -doped ceramic glass by femtosecond laser pulse at different laser powers

The up-conversion luminescence tuning of rare-earth ions is an important research topic for understanding luminescence mechanisms and promoting related applications. In this paper, we experimentally study the up-conversion luminescence tuning of Er3+-doped ceramic glass excited by the unshaped, V-shaped and cosine-shaped femtosecond laser field with different laser powers. The results show that green and red up-conversion luminescence can be effectively tuned by varying the power or spectral phase of the femtosecond laser field. We further analyze the up-conversion luminescence tuning mechanism by considering different excitation processes, including single-photon absorption(SPA), two-photon absorption(TPA), excited state absorption(ESA), and energy transfer up-conversion(ETU). The relative weight of TPA in the whole excitation process can increase with the increase of the laser power, thereby enhancing the intensity ratio between green and red luminescence(I547/I656). However, the second ETU(ETU2) process can generate red luminescence and reduce the green and red luminescence intensity ratio I547/I656, while the third ESA(ESA3) process can produce green luminescence and enhance its control efficiency. Moreover, the up-conversion luminescence tuning mechanism is further validated by observing the up-conversion luminescence intensity, depending on the laser power and the down-conversion luminescence spectrum under the excitation of 400-nm femtosecond laser pulse. These studies can present a clear physical picture that enables us to understand the up-conversion luminescence tuning mechanism in rare-earth ions, and can also provide an opportunity to tune up-conversion luminescence to promote its related applications.

Angular distributions of CH_3I fragment ions under the irradiation of a single pulse and trains of ultrashort laser pulses

The angular distribution of CH3I is investigated experimentally using a single Fourier transform-limited laser pulse and a pulse train, where a 90-fs 800-nm linearly polarized laser field with a moderate intensity of 2.8 × 10^13 W/cm2 is used. The dynamic alignment is demonstrated in a single pulse experiment. Moreover, a pulse train is used to optimize the molecular alignment, and the alignment degree is almost identical to that with the single pulse. The results are analysed by using chirped femtosecond laser pulses, and it demonstrates that the structure of pulse train rather than its effective duration is crucial to the molecular alignment.

The Neutron-Gamma Pulse Shape Discrimination Method for Neutron Flux Detection in the ITER

The neutron flux monitor （NFM）, as a significant diagnostic system in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor （ITER）, will play an important role in the readings of a series of key parameters in the fusion reaction process. As the core of the main electronic system of the NFM, the neutron-gamma pulse shape discrimination （n-γ PSD） can distinguish the neutron pulse from the gamma pulse and other disturbing pulses according to the thresholds of the rising time and the amplitude pre-installed on the board, the double timing point CFD method is used to get the rising time of the pulse. The n-γ PSD can provide an accurate neutron count.

On-chip optical pulse shaper for arbitrary waveform generation

We propose and demonstrate a silicon-on-insulator （SOI） on-chip optical pulse shaper based on four-tap finite impulse response. Due to different width designs in phase region of each tap, the phase differences for all taps are controlled by an external thermal source, resulting in an optical pulse shaper. We further demonstrate optical arbitrary waveform generation based on the optical pulse shaper assisted by an optical frequency comb injection. Four different optical waveforms are generated when setting the central wavelengths at 1533.78 nm and 1547.1 nm and setting the thermal source temperatures at 23 ℃ and 33 ℃, respectively. Our scheme has distinct advantages of compactness, capability for integrating with electronics since the integrated silicon waveguide is employed.

Optical pulse shaper with integrated slab waveguide for arbitrary waveform generation using optical gradient force

Integrated optical pulse shaper opens up possibilities for realizing the ultra high-speed and ultra wide-band linear signal processing with compact size and low power consumption. We propose a silicon monolithic integrated optical pulse shaper using optical gradient force, which is based on the eight-path finite impulse response. A cantilever structure is fabricated in one arm of the Mach–Zehnder interferometer（MZI） to act as an amplitude modulator. The phase shift feature of waveguide is analyzed with the optical pump power, and five typical waveforms are demonstrated with the manipulation of optical force. Unlike other pulse shaper schemes based on thermo–optic effect or electro–optic effect, our scheme is based on a new degree of freedom manipulation, i.e., optical force, so no microelectrodes are required on the silicon chip,which can reduce the complexity of fabrication. Besides, the chip structure is suitable for commercial silicon on an insulator（SOI） wafer, which has a top silicon layer of about 220 nm in thickness.

Conceptual design of a Cs2LiLaBr6 scintillator‑based neutron total cross section spectrometer on the back‑n beam line at CSNS

To reduce the experimental uncertainty in the 235 U resonance energy region and improve the detection efficiency for neutron total cross section measurements compared with those obtained with the neutron total cross section spectrometer(NTOX), a dedicated lithium-containing scintillation detector has been developed on the Back-n beam line at the China Spallation Neutron Source. The Fast Scintillator-based Neutron Total Cross Section(FAST) spectrometer has been designed based on a Cs2Li La Br6(CLLB) scintillator considering the γ-ray flash and neutron environment on the Back-n beam line. The response of the CLLB scintillator to neutrons and γ-rays was evaluated with different 6Li/7 Li abundance ratios using Geant4. The neutron-γdiscrimination performance of the CLLB has been simulated considering different scintillation parameters, physical designs,and light readout modes. A cubic 6Li-enriched( > 90%) CLLB scintillator, which has a thickness of 4-9 mm and side length of no less than 50 mm to cover the Φ 50 mm neutron beam at the spectrometer position, has been proposed coupling to a side readout SiPM array to construct the FAST spectrometer. The developed simulation techniques for neutron-γ discrimination performance could provide technical support for other neutron-induced reaction measurements on the Back-n beam line.

High efficiency GHz laser processing with long bursts

Bursts of GHz repetition rate pulses involve more ablation mechanisms than single femtosecond pulses.Efficient ablation by GHz laser pulses is a multi-step process,consisting of a first thermal incubation phase,followed by a highly efficient ablation phase.GHz ablation therefore combines thermal and non-thermal ablation mechanisms.With an optimal choice of the burst duration,the ablation efficiency can be highly enhanced.Long bursts,comprising tens of pulses to hundreds of pulses,are needed to take full advantage of the increase in ablation efficiency.

Electrons dynamics control by shaping femtosecond laser pulses in micro/nanofabrication: modeling, method, measurement and application

During femtosecond laser fabrication,photons are mainly absorbed by electrons,and the subsequent energy transfer from electrons to ions is of picosecond order.Hence,lattice motion is negligible within the femtosecond pulse duration,whereas femtosecond photon-electron interactions dominate the entire fabrication process.Therefore,femtosecond laser fabrication must be improved by controlling localized transient electron dynamics,which poses a challenge for measuring and controlling at the electron level during fabrication processes.Pump-probe spectroscopy presents a viable solution,which can be used to observe electron dynamics during a chemical reaction.In fact,femtosecond pulse durations are shorter than many physical/chemical characteristic times,which permits manipulating,adjusting,or interfering with electron dynamics.Hence,we proposed to control localized transient electron dynamics by temporally or spatially shaping femtosecond pulses,and further to modify localized transient materials properties,and then to adjust material phase change,and eventually to implement a novel fabrication method.This review covers our progresses over the past decade regarding electrons dynamics control(EDC)by shaping femtosecond laser pulses in micro/nanomanufacturing:(1)Theoretical models were developed to prove EDC feasibility and reveal its mechanisms;(2)on the basis of the theoretical predictions,many experiments are conducted to validate our EDC-based femtosecond laser fabrication method.Seven examples are reported,which proves that the proposed method can significantly improve fabrication precision,quality,throughput and repeatability and effectively control micro/nanoscale structures;(3)a multiscale measurement system was proposed and developed to study the fundamentals of EDC from the femtosecond scale to the nanosecond scale and to the millisecond scale;and(4)As an example of practical applications,our method was employed to fabricate some key structures in one of the 16 Chinese National S&T Major Projects,for which electron dynamics were measured using our multiscale measurement system.

Identification of anomalous fast bulk events in a p-type point-contact germanium detector

The ultralow detection threshold,ultralow intrinsic background,and excellent energy resolution of ptype point-contact germanium detectors are important for rare-event searches,in particular for the detection of direct dark matter interactions,coherent elastic neutrino-nucleus scattering,and neutrinoless double beta decay.Anomalous bulk events with an extremely fast rise time are observed in the CDEX-1B detector.We report a method of extracting fast bulk events from bulk events using a pulse shape simulation and reconstructed source experiment signature.Calibration data and the distribution of X-rays generated by intrinsic radioactivity verified that the fast bulk experienced a single hit near the passivation layer.The performance of this germanium detector indicates that it is capable of single-hit bulk spatial resolution and thus provides a background removal technique.

Pulse shaping method to compensate for antenna distortion in ultra-wideband communications

In the ultra-wideband （UWB） communication systems, a critical spectral mask is released to restrict the allowable interference to other wireless devices by the Federal Communications Commission （FCC）, and then some pulse shaping methods have been presented to fulfil the mask. However, most pulse shaping methods do not consider the antenna distortion which cannot be neglected in the UWB communication systems compared with the conventional systems. To this end, an orthogonal wavelet based pulse shaping method is proposed in this paper to inte- grate compensation of antenna distortion into pulse shaping. Simulation results show that the novel pulse shaping method can be used to achieve compensation for antenna distortion, optimization of transmission power spectrum, and simplification of the algorithm, as well as simple implementation of the pulse generator.