Maximum-likelihood principle for determining positions in neutron scintillation detectors

Pulse height division is generally used to determine a position channel for storing detection events in position-sensitive detectors (PSDs). An alternative method based on the maximum likelihood principle is discussed. This principle is modified in order that the storage of events can be done online. Analytic expressions for the spatial resolution are derived and evaluated. Both detection methods are simulated for linear PSDs. Results on uniformity, linearity, stability and spatial resolution are presented. The major specific advantage of the proposed method is an improved uniformity of the response along the entire detector.