The validation of a digital coincidence counting system

The validity of digital coincidence counting (DCC) is examined using a commercially available data-acquisition board (GAGE CompuScope 6012/PCI) and computer simulations. The software which forms the basis of the DCC system is described as well as a set of programs for testing the operation of both the hardware and software components. A 60Co solution has been standardised using digital versions of both the conventional and computer discrimination methods of coincidence counting. Summaries of the test and standardisation results are reported.