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8.
Rate at which list mode data is written to file is low
The number of events collected in a given time depends on a) the data per event, b)
time required to record an event, and c) the data transfer rate.
To reduce a),
- run in compressed list mode (run types 0x101-103)
- shorten the tracelength as much as possible (even in compressed list mode!)
- remove the “read always” and “good channel” option for unused channels
To reduce b)
- reduce the coincidence window to the minimum possible
- if no pulse shape analysis is required in compressed list mode runs, set the
tracelength to zero
- do not require pulse shape analysis
To increase c)
- run in 32x buffer or 16/16 double buffer mode
- avoid frequent updates of run statistics and spectra
- set the polling time to a small value (0.1-0.01)
- verify the number of events/buffer is set to the maximum
9.
Bad energy resolution in MCA spectrum
- verify the decay time is set correctly
- increase energy filter rise time
- make the energy filter flat top approximately equal to the rise time of the pulse
- ensure the “integrator” is set to zero
- if “integrator” is set to 1 on purpose (e.g. fast scintillator pulses), make sure the
energy filter flat top covers the entire pulse
- if “integrator” is set to 2 on purpose (e.g. square pulses), make sure the energy
filter flat top covers the portion of the pulse that should be disregarded for the
energy measurement (e.g. the rising edge)
10 Appendix A
This section contains hardware-related information.