Moving Window Deconvolution App
The aim of the MWD algorithm is to transform the digitised preamplifier signal into a more suitable shape for determining energy. The shape of the transformed signal is a trapezoid whose duration is much shorter than the exponential decay characteristic of the preamplifier signal, which reduces dead-time and pile up.
You can think of this method as a digital equivalent of the traditional analogue Gaussian shaper that is obtained using combinations of CR and RC circuits, however the MWD algorithm offers a slightly better signal-to-noise ratio than the Gaussian shaper.
The MWD algorithm can be considered a three-stage process:
- Transform the digitised preamplifier signal into a step function by removing the exponential decay.
- Differentiate the output of stage 1 to produce a square pulse.
- Run a moving average over the output of stage 2 to smooth out noise and produce a trapezoidal shape.
The shape of the trapezoid is determined by a set of parameters optimised by the user for specific detectors and applications. These include the risetime, flat top, decay time, average window time, CFD threshold, and delay time.
Select various combinations of the parameters using the dropdowns and click the 'stage x' buttons to see how the signal looks at various points through the MWD algorithm. Hit the 'calculate energy' button to try to extract the energy of the pulse.
A tooltip appears under the plot with information on each stages.