Systematic investigation of time walk and time resolution characteristics of CAEN digitizers V1730 and V1751 for application to fast-timing lifetime measurement

Abstract

The timing performance of the integrated digital constant fraction discriminators of the two digitizer modules V1730 and V1751 from CAEN are systematically investigated with respect to fast-timing lifetime measurements. Systematic and parameter-dependent knowledge of the time walk behavior and the time resolution of the digital constant fraction discriminators is obtained. Understanding these dependencies is crucial for properly calibrating individual fast-timing systems and a comparable investigation of these digitizers was never conducted before. Reference is made to the existing analog standard for fast-timing techniques and recent digital developments. The study shows, that the timing performance of both modules is comparable to other digital fast-timing implementations and established fast-timing setups using analog constant fraction discriminators, but with the added benefit of digital processing. The peculiarities of the modules are pointed out and described. Both digitizer modules were found to be highly effective and user-friendly instruments for modern fast-timing requirements. Best parameter sets for both digitizers as well as best energy application ranges are provided.