A Programmable Solid State Pulser for Charge-Sensitive Amplifier Systems

A circuit has been developed which allows excitation of charge sensitive amplifiers at high pulse repetition rates. The amplifier output waveform fidelity is nearly as good as that associated with low repetition rate mercury relay pulsers. The circuit may be self-contained or operated under external control by supplying a reference voltage and clock signals to initiate pulses. The elements of the pulser are discussed in detail, and some applications are suggested. The circuit has been tested for amplitude stability as a function of temperature and pulse repetition rate.