Eur. Phys. J. A (2016) 52: 70
https://doi.org/10.1140/epja/i2016-16070-9

Special Article - Tools for Experiment and Theory

Pulse shape analysis and position determination in segmented HPGe detectors: The AGATA detector library

¹ Institut für Kernphysik, Universität zu Köln, 50937, Köln, Germany
² CEA Saclay, Service de Physique Nucleaire, F-91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

^* e-mail: birkenbach@ikp.uni-koeln.de

Received: 18 December 2015
Accepted: 19 February 2016
Published online: 29 March 2016

Abstract

The AGATA Detector Library (ADL) was developed for the calculation of signals from highly segmented large volume high-purity germanium (HPGe) detectors. ADL basis sets comprise a huge amount of calculated position-dependent detector pulse shapes. A basis set is needed for Pulse Shape Analysis (PSA). By means of PSA the interaction position of a -ray inside the active detector volume is determined. Theoretical concepts of the calculations are introduced and cover the relevant aspects of signal formation in HPGe. The approximations and the realization of the computer code with its input parameters are explained in detail. ADL is a versatile and modular computer code; new detectors can be implemented in this library. Measured position resolutions of the AGATA detectors based on ADL are discussed.