The DAQ always runs - Performing large scale nuclear physics experiments
Licentiate thesis, 2006

An important part and a growing field of modern subatomic physics is the study of exotic isotopes using radioactive beams. The experiments started out simple. Along with a better and more detailed understanding, together with the availability of new technology, the experiments are becoming more and more advanced. The increased complexity make the use of software at all levels, from data acquisition to analysis, evermore present. However, it is much more the vast amounts of data collected in each experiment, than the sophistication of the calculations needed, that mandates the use of computers. This thesis is about how to make difficult things simple again. The main thread throughout is that by acknowledging and understanding the complications, they can be used to overcome themselves. To take full advantage of the setups, it is necessary to make close ties between the data acquisition, slow control and analysis programs - they must be able to act as one. At the same time they must be decoupled enough, that any one part can be replaced without severely affecting the other. This is required in order that, while keeping coherence in the analysis procedures - the continuous improvement of the setups can take place without disrupting ongoing analysis work, also making new developments easily applicable to older data.

Radioactive Beams

Exotic Nuclei

Data Acquisition

Calibrations

Analysis

Author

Håkan T Johansson

Chalmers, Applied Physics, Subatomic Physics

Subject Categories

Other Computer and Information Science

Subatomic Physics

Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified

Licentiate thesis - Department of Fundamental Physics, Chalmers University of Technology

More information

Created

10/8/2017