A fast zero dead-time single channel analyzer for nuclear spectroscopy applications

We discuss a new approach to the design of single channel analyzers (SCAs) for high rate nuclear spectroscopy with an emphasis on accelerator-based X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) applications. A brief overview of the entire spectroscopy system and a detailed description of the SCA circuit design are given together with some insight into the application and the reasons that led us to design a new concept in order to build our single channel analyzer. The advantages of this instrument are then highlighted and the experimental results are presented.