Embedded device for digitalizing monitor and error signals in Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Abstract

In a previous work, we proposed a method to optimize the channel velocity relationship of the spectra and improve laboratory times in the presence of calibration changes. In addition to the usual method, which involves measuring a reference spectrum, we proposed incorporating the recording of the Monitor (velocity reference) and Error signals available in the drive unit into the calibration process. We have verified that this technique substantially improves laboratory times and more efficiently accounts for nonlinearities in the channel velocity relationship. In that work, we showed that it is possible to use a digital 8-bit oscilloscope to record the signals. However, given the precision with which the measurement must be performed, this implies a laborious and time-consuming procedure. To simplify the operation in the laboratory, we present the specification, design, and implementation of an electronic device dedicated to this task, based on open hardware and open software tools. Its incorporation does not require additional lab time, while the growth in data volume can be handled with current networking technologies. Full detail for a straightforward implementation is provided, and the quality of the signal’s recordings are compared with the ones obtained in our previous work. The result is an efficient and easy to use method, which uses standard, available and low-cost devices with an open hardware and software philosophy.