An optimisation procedure for pulse shape discrimination algorithms tailored for hand-held nuclear security instruments

Nuclear security has strict requirements on hand-held instrumentation. The detectors have to be neutron sensitive, capable to discriminate between neutrons and gammas, possibly providing the gamma emitter identification. The detecting unit has to be compact, low power consuming and integrated into systems to perform on-line data analysis and to assess the alarm level according to the international standards. This paper reports an optimization procedure for pulse shape discrimination algorithms developed for detectors based on neutron sensitive scintillators coupled to photo-sensors. As a specific case study, data collected for a volume of EJ 299-34 material coupled to Silicon Photomultipliers were analysed