A QTC-based signal readout for position-sensitive multi-output detectors

A new signal readout method for position-sensitive multi-output detectors, such as those in high-energy spectroscopy measurement and nuclear imaging, was developed by combining the charge division circuit, summing circuit and charge-to-time conversion (QTC) circuit. The 64 outputs of a Hamamatsu H8500 position-sensitive photomultiplier tube were processed, and three digital pulses were generated. The widths of digital pulses were determined using the time-to-digital converter in an field programmable gate array. The energy and position information of incident c-rays is estimated based on the proportionality between the width of digital pulses and input charge created by c-photons. A prototype was built using discrete components and tested, and the energy and position resolutions were improved compared with that obtained with standard ADCs. This method greatly simplifies the front-end electronics and the digital interface. It enables a compact electronics system and an easy integration into an ASIC.