Patent GB-1380336-A (GB)
Title: Multiple sample coincidence counter
IPC: H03K5/26
Filed: 1972-05-10
Abstract: 1380336 Liquid scintillation counters G D SEARLE & CO 10 May 1972 [11 May 1971] 21933/72 Heading G1A In a multiple sample liquid scintillation counting apparatus the samples are separated by partitions and viewed by a plurality of photo-multipliers so that each sample is viewed by at least two and by less than all of the photo-multipliers and an output is provided for a sample only when coincident pulses are produced by all the photo-multipliers viewing that sample. In a first embodiment, Fig. 1 (not shown) and Fig. 2, the samples 11, 12, 13 are mounted in threes on a carrier 26 having integral partitions 20, 22, 23 between the samples and a plurality of the carriers are stepped along a track above the counting chamber and are lowered one at a time into the chamber by a plunger mechanism (30). The counting chamber is surrounded by three photo-multiplier tubes 14, 15, 16 arranged so that each views only two of the three samples. In a modification Fig. 8 (not shown) the partitions are fixed in the measuring chamber and the plunger is subdivided with three portions which slide between the partitions. In a second embodiment Fig. 3 and 4 (not shown) the samples pass under the counting chamber and are lifted into it by a plunger. The partitions are fixed in the chamber and the photomultipliers are mounted in the top wall of the chamber looking down on to the samples. This embodiment may be modified for two samples  instead of three by providing a diametric partition and arranging three photo-multipliers so that one views both sections and the other two view one section each Fig. 5 (not shown). The photo-multipliers are connected to circuitry which determines total number of coincident pulses, number of accidental coincident pulses and corrects for triple coincidences and for the deadtime of the system. The outputs of the photomultipliers 14, 15, 16 are amplified and applied to coincidence gating circuits comprising coincidence detectors 91, 92, 93 and AND gates 73, 75, 76 which trigger monostables 55, 57, 59 in accordance with the coincident inputs. A dead-time circuit comprises gates 64, 65 and 101 controlling a monostable 61 which is triggered on generation of a pulse in any one or more of the photo-multipliers. Monostable 61 inhibits output gates 49, 51, 53 so that an output from monostables 55, 57, 59 (which have longer periods) is provided to following counting circuits (not shown) only after monostable 61 has reset. The dead-time circuit also includes a monostable 102 which is triggered from gates 101 to generate a time during which the counting circuitry can operate. During the whole of the dead-time an output is provided from gate 100 which stops the associated timing circuitry (not shown) to correct for the dead-time. The dead-time circuit also produces signals directly and via delays 105, 105' to prevent changes in circuit conditions during the output counting time. Accidental coincidences, i.e. a spurious discharge in one photo-multiplier coinciding with a spurious or genuine signals in another, are determined on a statistical basis by applying the photomultiplier outputs to delay devices 94, 95, 96 and detecting the coincidences with the undelayed outputs of adjacent tubes in the same manner as above. The delayed and undelayed pulses are applied via summers 88, 89, 90 to the coincidence detectors 91, 92, 93 which are therefore used in both total and accidental coincidence circuits. The accidental coincidence gates 74, 76, 78 trigger monostables 56, 58, 60 and provide outputs at gates 50, 52, 54 to counting circuitry. The accidental coincidence count is then subtracted from the total coincident count. Triple coincidences in the total and accidental monostable outputs are detected by gates 66, 69 and used to inhibit the output gates 49, 51, 53; 50, 52, 54. Triple coincidences in the photomultiplier outputs are also detected by differential amplitude measuring circuit 67 and comparitor 111 which is provided with an adjustable reference 72. If a scintillation is reflected from one photomultiplier to another it produces a small amplitude pulse in the latter and if the difference between the large and small pulses is greater than the reference 72 the inhibition on the output gates is lifted for the channel corresponding to the coincidence of the two larger signals.