On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics, 1969

On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics (1969) is a comprehensive technical treatise that explores the rapidly evolving field of automated data collection and processing in nuclear physics experiments during the late 1960s. Authored by D. H. Wilkinson, this book provides an in-depth analysis of the principles, design, and implementation of on-line data-acquisition systems, which were revolutionizing experimental nuclear physics at the time. The text delves into the architecture and operation of digital and analog devices, the integration of computers with experimental apparatus, and the methods for real-time data handling and reduction. Wilkinson systematically covers the requirements for efficient data acquisition, including the selection and configuration of detectors, amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, and interface electronics. The book discusses the challenges of synchronizing multiple data streams, minimizing dead time, and ensuring data integrity. It also addresses the software aspects, such as programming for data sorting, event selection, and preliminary analysis, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and adaptability in system design. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to case studies and practical examples drawn from contemporary nuclear physics laboratories, illustrating the application of on-line systems to experiments involving particle accelerators, nuclear reactions, and radioactive decay measurements. Wilkinson highlights the transformative impact of these systems on experimental throughput, accuracy, and the ability to conduct more complex investigations. Intended for physicists, engineers, and students involved in experimental nuclear research, On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics serves as both a reference and a guide to the state-of-the-art technologies of its era. It captures the transition from manual data recording to automated, computer-assisted experimentation, marking a pivotal moment in the history of scientific instrumentation.