A Three Dimensional Analyzer Using Digital Recording on Magnetic Tape

A digital analyzer which records data on a 1-inch magnetic tape has been constructed and used for several experiments. Recording is at slow speed, the analysis being at 100 inches per second. Recorded data are fed into a ferrite core memory, added up, and finally punched out on to paper tape or cards for processing by a computer. Three typical experiments are described which involve pulse-height analysis of scintillation-counter data and neutron time of flight information. These are the measurement of fission neutrons from U235, the spectra of neutron capture gamma rays from platinum and the investigation of pulse shape discrimination between neutrons and gamma rays for a plastic scintillator. Typical three-dimensional models of the data are shown.