A simple and accurate method for calibrating nanosecond time-to-pulse-height converters

Abstract A simple method for calibrating timesorters is described which has an absolute accuracy of −9 sec) pulses are fed into a junction point on a 10-meter long air-cored delay line and travel to the ends of the transmission line which are coupled to the limiting circuits of the timesorter. The input junction position, x , can be set at any desired point along the 10-meter length. The propagation velocity, v , is 99% of the velocity of light, c . Thus a change in junction position of Δx results in a change in the relative arrival times of the pulses at the limiters of Δt = 2 Δx (0.99 c ) −1 . The mechanical features of the air-cored transmission line are described and factors affecting the accuracy of the method are discussed.