Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
09:40
Measurement and Analysis of Atomic Hydrogen and Diatomic Molecular AlO, C2, CN, and TiO Spectra Following Laser-induced Optical Breakdown
Published on: February 14, 2014
A compact digital time differential perturbed angular correlation-spectrometer using field programmable gate arrays
Markus Jäger1, Kornelius Iwig, Tilman Butz
1Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, University of Leipzig, Linnéstr.5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany. jaeger@informatik.uni-leipzig.de
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|July 5, 2011
Summary
A new digital time differential perturbed angular correlation (TDPAC) spectrometer offers user-friendly operation and fast online analysis. It achieves excellent time resolution comparable to analog systems, enhancing nuclear physics research capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Materials Science
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Time Differential Perturbed Angular Correlation (TDPAC) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying hyperfine interactions in materials.
- Conventional analog spectrometers often lack user-friendliness and real-time data analysis capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel, user-friendly, fully digital TDPAC spectrometer.
- To present its performance data and demonstrate its capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Development of a six-detector digital spectrometer utilizing Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for fast digitizers.
- Implementation of online data analysis and parameter adjustment directly within the digitizer.
- Performance testing using Cobalt-60 (Co-60) and Titanium-44 (Ti-44) sources, and positron lifetime measurements with Sodium-22 (Na-22).
Main Results:
- Achieved time resolution of 265 ps (LaBr3(Ce)) and 254 ps (BaF2) using Co-60.
- Demonstrated superior performance of a true constant fraction timing algorithm.
- Maximum data rate of 1.1 × 10^6 γ quanta per detector per second.
Conclusions:
- The developed digital TDPAC spectrometer offers a compact, user-friendly, and efficient platform for nuclear spectroscopy.
- Its real-time analysis and fast timing resolution enable advanced studies of hyperfine interactions and nuclear lifetimes.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is the common plasma source used in atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), a technique that detects and analyzes various elements in a sample. This method is often called inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
There are three main types of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) instruments: sequential, simultaneous multichannel, and Fourier transform instruments, with the latter being less commonly used.
01:21Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Tandem mass spectrometry is a technique that uses multiple mass analyzers in series to obtain a higher selectivity and reduce chemical noise during analyte detection. Instruments with multiple analyzers separated by an interaction cell enable secondary fragmentation and selected study of the fragment ions.Secondary fragmentations occur in the interaction cell and can be induced by various factors. Fragmentation induced by collision with inert gases, such as N2, Ar, He, etc., is called...
01:22Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers. Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
01:15Discrete Fourier Transform
The Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) is a fundamental tool in signal processing, extending the discrete-time Fourier transform by evaluating discrete signals at uniformly spaced frequency intervals. This transformation converts a finite sequence of time-domain samples into frequency components, each representing complex sinusoids ordered by frequency. The DFT translates these sequences into the frequency domain, effectively indicating the magnitude and phase of each frequency component present...
01:20Discrete-Time Fourier Series
The Discrete-Time Fourier Series (DTFS) is a fundamental concept in signal processing, serving as the discrete-time counterpart to the continuous-time Fourier series. It allows for the representation and analysis of discrete-time periodic signals in terms of their frequency components. Unlike its continuous counterpart, which utilizes integrals, the calculation of DTFS expansion coefficients involves summations due to the discrete nature of the signal.
For a discrete-time periodic signal x[n]...
For a discrete-time periodic signal x[n]...
01:29Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...