Effective dynamic range in measurements with flash analog-to-digital convertor

Flash Analog-to-Digital Convertor (FADC) is frequently used in Nuclear and Particle Physics experiments, often as the major component in big multi-channel systems. The large data volume makes the optimization of operating parameters necessary. This article reports a study of a method to extend the dynamic range of an 8-bit FADC from the nominal 28 value. By comparing the integrated pulse area with that of a reference profile, good energy reconstruction and event identification can be achieved on saturated events from CsI(Tl) crystal scintillators. The effective dynamic range can be extended by at least four more bits. The algorithm is generic and is expected to be applicable to other detector systems with FADC readout.