The Generalized Centroid Difference method for lifetime measurements via γ-γ coincidences using large fast-timing arrays

A novel method for direct electronic "fast-timing" lifetime measurements of nuclear excited states via gamma-gamma coincidences using an array equipped with N very fast high-resolution LaBr3(Ce) scintillator detectors is presented. The generalized centroid difference method provides two independent "start" and "stop" time spectra obtained without any correction by a superposition of the N(N - 1)/2 calibrated gamma-gamma time difference spectra of the N detector fast-timing system. The two fast-timing array time spectra correspond to a forward and reverse gating of a specific gamma-gamma cascade and the centroid difference as the time shift between the centroids of the two time spectra provides a picosecond-sensitive mirror-symmetric observable of the set-up. The energy-dependent mean prompt response difference between the start and stop events is calibrated and used as a single correction for lifetime determination. These combined fast-timing array mean gamma-gamma zero-time responses can be determined for 40 keV < E-gamma < 1.4 MeV with a precision better than 10 ps using a Eu-152 gamma-ray source. The new method is described with examples of (n,gamma) and (n,f,gamma) experiments performed at the intense cold-neutron beam facility PF1B of the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble, France, using 16 LaBr3(Ce) detectors within the EXILL&FATIMA campaign in 2013. The results are discussed with respect to possible systematic errors induced by background contributions.