Hierarchical computing in laboratory experiments: Potential and pitfalls

✍ Scribed by Yehonathan Hazony

• Book ID: 103046163
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1972
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 976 KB
• Volume: 4
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0010-4655
• DOI: 10.1016/0010-4655(72)90088-4

✦ Synopsis

A hierarchical computer network for data acquisition, data reduction and control has been installed in Princeton University. The system consists of: (a) a real-time front-end computer taking care of the high speed data acquisition as well as providing for data buffering and optimized scanning control; (b) the hierarchical structure designed primarily to implement the store-and-forward function to ensure high data mobility to the central batch computer and back; and (c) data reduction procedures taking advantage of the full power of the central batch computer.

The potential impact ofsuch a system on experimental work is demonstrated by experimental data obtained with a simplified system operating in conjunction with a precision M~ssbauer spectrometer. Because of the complexity of the system, some systematic errors occur as quite sophisticated patterns of events, which may be misinterpreted by the computer and experimentalist as real "effects". Such a computer generated effect is demonstrated and diagnostic procedures are discussed.