Digital Recording for Spectrum Analysis

Abstract

Digital recording of spectra on magnetic tape in computer format is described and illustrated. The density of points required and the resulting volume of data are considered both as to the needs for computation and for spectral representation. For maximum resolution in wavelength or frequency, digital discrimination should recognize intervals of less than one-tenth the spectral slit width. At least five points for each interval is suggested. Noise reduction by computer averaging of points within each interval is shown.