On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics, 1969
"On-Line Data-Acquisition Systems in Nuclear Physics, 1969" is a scientific publication likely written in the late 20th century. This work serves as a comprehensive report by the Ad Hoc Panel on On-Line Computers in Nuclear Research from the National Research Council. It extensively covers the evolution, development, and recommendations for data-acquisition systems in nuclear physics, emphasizing the integration of computers into nuclear laboratories to enhance experimental research capabilities. The opening of the report outlines the historical context of data acquisition in nuclear physics, detailing the progression from early devices like vacuum tube counters to the significant introduction of on-line computers around 1962. It underscores the substantial acceleration in technology during the 1960s and the need for guidelines to help laboratory directors and funding agencies navigate the complexities of integrating data-acquisition systems into research environments. The preface sets the stage for a technical discussion on expected tasks, the various classes of operations computers can perform, and the financial implications of these systems, part of a larger effort to document and analyze expenditures and system design in the field.