Data analysis in the optical PoSAP

Algorithms have been developed for on-line analysis of data from the optical PoSAP, so that accurate flight time and position data can be derived for multiple ion events. The algorithm proceeds by first deriving accurate positions from the image obtained from the image-intensified camera. Each position is then correlated with one element in the anode array by use of a “correspondence map”, which is calculated by the algorithm as analysis proceeds. From the flight times recorded on the anode array, the time which relates to each ion position can be determined.