Low-noise data collection system for the Thomson scattering diagnostic apparatus on ORMAK

An automnted data collection system as designed and built for the ORMAK Thomson scattering apparatus is described. The system uses both gated photomultipliers and gated integrators; advantages of this approach are discussed. Four electron-temperature and electron-density measurements can be made during each plasma discharge, with measurements spaced as closely as 1 ms apart. Data are automatically digitized and stored in a computer for processing and display. (auth)