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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO VOLTAGE PEAK VALUE COMPARISON CIRCUITS

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4142476

A voltage peak comparison circuit was invented for the amplitude comparison of small voltage pulses from a mass spectrometer whose magnet current is varied cyclically so that beams of different masses are scanned over the collector plate, The circuit comprises an amplifier of variable gain, a group of condensers to be charged in turn from the amplifier, means for comparing those charges, and means for discharging each condenser by a small amount before recharging, When the beams from two isotopes alternately scan the collector plate, alternate current pulses are set up having a ratio equal to the isotope abundance ratio and are led to the capacitors via the amplifier circuit where their peak voltages are compared by a valve voltmeter and a potentiometer. Since the beam currents are not constant, there is a possible source of error in allowing the capacitors to charge to the highest peak voltage, and means is provided for discharging by a small fraction just before the peak voltage of the scan is reached. (D. L. C.)

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-14-024342
OSTI ID:
4142476
Report Number(s):
GB 843956
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English