The application of electronic techniques to high energy particle detection

The technical implications are discussed, of the physical principles behind ISIS, a large volume nuclear particle detector. The particular solution adopted in ISIS is described, for the accurate acquisition of data at high rates and under poor signal-to-noise conditions. A computer program has been written to simulate the processing of signals and noise within ISIS. To check the validity of the simulation, its predictions have been compared with the results of experiments using prototype equipment. With the aid of the simulation, the performance of ISIS has been investigated as regards the spatial resolution and the particle-identification capability of the device. An optimum design for the whole ISIS device has been attained, as a compromise between this performance and tolerable systematic effects. In addition, it has been shown that, around the operating point, there is an adequate window within which satisfactory performance is maintained.