I'm working with a PMT in pule counting mode. NAI scintillator is connected to the PMT.
I set the discriminator level to 60kEV with plenty of dynamic range above that.
I'm measuring background counts at around 90 CPS long term average. We are applying a Cs source that raises teh count rate to about 700CPS long term average.
What the user wants to do is measure the background at 1sample/sec for 45 seconds then measure a 1 sample/second with the source for 45 seconds. Subtract the mean of those two for use elseware.
the problem is that when the measurement is repeated there is a fairly wide spread in the two averages taken.
What I would like to know is how to calculate the spread in the two averages. given the same source is used and the background levels are the same(no sources running around).