Bandwidth limitations of gap current measurements

摘要

The bandwidth limitations which affect gap current measurements, and which are important for pulsed swarm experiments, are analyzed. Such limitations are caused by the electrode geometry, geometry imperfections and the components and equipment used for signal transport and storage. Recommendations are given to optimize the time resolution. The analysis is applied to a pulsed swarm setup for which a time resolution of 1.2 to 1.4 ns has been achieved.