Pulse pileup correction in the presence of a large low-energy background

Abstract

Pulse pileup correction is required for high count rate experiments. Spectral distortion due to pileup is strongly affected by the distribution of pulse heights. Methods used to limit the digitization rate - including energy thresholds and coincidence requirements - adversely affect attempts to correct the pileup-induced distortion. A simplified method for correcting the spectral distortion using a general pileup function can be used when the spectrum is dominated by a low-energy background. This method has particular relevance for nuclear resonance fluorescence experiments.