Toward real-time digital pulse process algorithms for CsI(Tl) detector array at external target facility in HIRFL-CSR

A fully digital data acquisition system based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) was developed for a CsI(Tl) array at the external target facility (ETF) in the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). To process the CsI(Tl) signals generated by gamma-rays and light-charged ions, a scheme for digital pulse processing algorithms is proposed. Every step in the algorithms was benchmarked using standard gamma and alpha sources. The scheme, which included a moving average filter, baseline restoration, leading-edge discrimination, moving window deconvolution, and digital charge comparison, was subsequently implemented on the FPGA. A good energy resolution of 5.7% for 1.33-MeV gamma-rays and excellent alpha-gamma identification using the digital charge comparison method were achieved, which satisfies CsI(Tl) array performance requirements.

Automated summary

A fully digital data acquisition system based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) was developed for a CsI(Tl) array at the external target facility (ETF) in the Heavy Ion Research Facility in Lanzhou (HIRFL). The system achieved successful signal processing and energy resolution for gamma-rays and alpha particles.