Coincidence timing and Compton suppression techniques for nuclear structure studies using the La Crosse fIREBAll*

Throughout the history of nuclear experimentation, more precise detection methods have been theorized and accomplished to further understand the foundations of nuclear structure. We explored the viability of various scintillation detectors for potential use in coincidence with the La Crosse fInternal conveRsion Electron Ball Array (fIREBAll). One of the objectives of fIREBAll is to search for E0 transitions and to measure conversion coefficients from E2 transitions with large E0 components between J-J transitions in nuclei with multiple 0⁺ states. We assessed the capability of Bismuth Germanate (BGO) detectors to suppress the Compton scattering of a Germanium (HPGe) detector. Using a ROOT script incorporating data from both detectors, we greatly reduced background caused by Compton scattering. In addition, we tested two groups of Barium Fluoride (BaF₂) detectors, incorporating a pulse-shape discrimination technique to remove self-activities and to determine timing and energy resolution properties. We also tested a group of Cerium Bromide (CeBr₃) detectors, which exhibited exemplary fast timing and energy resolution properties.