Considerations in the Design of Pulse Amplifiers for Use with Solid State Radiation Detectors

The definition of amplifier noise in terms of equivalent charge or equivalent electrons and the technique for its measurement in these terms is discussed in detail. Some of the theory which relates to the design of low noise, highly stable pulse amplifiers is reviewed. Tubes and other circuit elements suitable for use in low noise amplifiers are discussed. The effect of the pulse shaping networks on the s/n ratio (shot noise and grid-current noise components) is described and data are given for the relative merits of single and double RC and delay line clippers in association with 1 to 5 RC integrators. It is shown, for example, that the noise performance of the double delay line clipper is noticeably inferior to that of the single RC clipper, although it is very much better with regard to permissible counting rate.