Simple method to reduce the dead time of multichannel analyzers

Abstract

A method to reduce the dead time of multichannel analyzers which uses multiple sample-and-hold circuits in the input circuitry of the analyzer's analog-digital converter is proposed. Due to the exponential distribution of time intervals between successive pulses, the dead time is greatly reduced with even a small number of sample-and-hold circuits. The effects of the method are analyzed and discussed by means of Monte Carlo simulations. © 1999 American Institute of Physics.