A method for centroid-shift time measurements with magnetic plus Si(Li) combination conversion-electron spectrometer

A centroid timing method has been developed for use in connection with a magnetic plus Si(Li) combination conversion-electron spectrometer. In in-beam measurements, the time intervals between the Si(Li) output and cyclotron rf pulses are measured. The properties of the walk curves, isochronism and time-dependent background of the instrument are described. No inherent delay between total-absorption (peak) and partial-absorption (tail) events is observed. The region of applicability and advantages of the method as compared with direct Ge(Li) timing are discussed. In favourable cases, half-lives can be determined to an accuracy of about 10 ps. (orig.)