The correction for photon `pile-up' in the measurement of radiative lifetimes

Abstract

In determinations of radiative lifetimes in which time intervals are measured up to the first detected photon, an error is introduced when subsequent photons are neglected. An accurate correction for this effect is described, having the advantages of general applicability and allowing the use of high photon detection rates. It is also shown that the error introduced by the use of this correction is negligible under all practical experimental conditions.