Important Readings in Leo
for the Gamma Spectroscopy Experiment

W.R. Leo, "Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments"
First Edition

Chapter Section Sub-Section   Topic
1  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
10
11
    Basic Nuclear Processes
  Nuclear Levels
  Alpha Decay
  Beta Decay
  Electron Capture
  Gamma Emission
  Annihilation Radiation
  Internal Conversion
  Auger Electrons
  Activity Units
  Radioactive Decay
2 7     Interactions of Photons
3 6     Radiation Safety
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
    Statistics
  Probability Distributions (General)
  Probability Distributions (Examples)
  Measurement Errors
  Parameter Estimation, Maximum Likelihood
  Examples
  Propagation of Errors
  Curve Fitting
  Rounding
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
    Detectors
  Sensitivity
  Response
  Energy Resolution
  Energy Response Function
  Response Time
  Efficiency
7
1
2
3
6
7





3
  Scintillation Detectors
  General
  Organic Scintillators
  Inorganic Scintillators
  Light Output Response
    Intrinsic Efficiency for Gammas
8
1
2
3
4
5





  Photomultiplier Tubes
  Basics
  Photocathode
  Electro-Optical Input
  Electron Multiplier
  Operating Parameters (Optional)
11
1
2
3
4





  Pulse Signals
  Terminology
  Analog and Digital
  Fast/Slow
  Bandwidth
12       NIM Standard
13       Signal Transmission
14
1
2
3
6
8
9
10
11
12
15
17











  Electronics
  Preamplifiers
  Main Amplifiers
  Pulse Shaping
  Linear Gates
  Delay Lines
  Discriminators
  Single Channel Analyzers (SCA's)
  Analog to Digital Converters (ADC's)
  Multi-Channel Analyzers (MCA's)
  Scalers
  Coincidence Units
15       Pulse Height Selection and Coincidence Technique
16
1
2



  Electronic Logic
  Basic Gates
  Boolean laws
Appendix A
1

2




3


1

1
2
3
4

1
2
  Oscilloscope Review
  Basic Structure
    Bandwidth and Risetime
  Controls and Operating Modes
    Input Coupling
    Vertical and Horizontal Sensitivity
    Triggering (Synchronization)
    Display Modes
  Applications and Examples
    Signal Viewing
    Comparison of Signals