Modeling the energy and timing digital signal processing for the Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Array (GRETINA)

The Gamma Ray Energy Tracking In-Beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) is a 1-π detector system capable of determining energy, timing and tracking of multiple gamma-ray interactions inside germanium crystals. Charge sensitive amplifiers instrument the crystals and their outputs are converted using analog to digital converters for real-time digital processing. Modeling the signal processing path in MATLAB is used to find the energy and timing of the gamma rays at low and high rates and compare them with the performance of analog readout. The simulations are intended to improve the processing presently executed in real time in field programmable gate arrays.