Response Time Corrections to Data from Detection and Recording Systems

Using the method of the Laplace transform, corrections for a thermal detection system consisting of a thermocouple, galvanometer, light beam detector, amplifier, and recorder are worked out for a step function and exponential input function. Knowing the system response the rate constant of the exponential can be solved. Fortran II programs for the IBM 1620 computer were written and are available on request. The results show that such corrections make it possible to use a detection system only three times as fast as the event for visual corrections to 10% and further that this can be reduced to only a 1% error if the data are taken and analyzed by machine. In addition, the method provides a very rapid method of determining system parameter changes on recorded data and could thus furnish a convenient systems operation monitor.