Defining Variables for Data Analysis in a Lab Experiment

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analysis of drift velocity and diffusion coefficient of electrons in a lab experiment involving alpha particles. The participant is attempting to reconcile the equation for full width at half maximum, given as ##\sigma = A \cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}##, with the general diffusion equation ##\sigma = \sqrt{2Dt}##. The challenge lies in transitioning from the latter equation to the former while accurately determining the diffusion coefficient.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of diffusion processes in gaseous detectors
  • Familiarity with the concept of full width at half maximum (FWHM)
  • Knowledge of the relationship between drift velocity and diffusion coefficient
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical modeling of physical phenomena
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of the diffusion equation ##\sigma = \sqrt{2Dt}##
  • Study the application of the FWHM concept in particle physics experiments
  • Explore methods for calculating diffusion coefficients in gaseous media
  • Investigate the relationship between time and diffusion in the context of particle detection
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in experimental physics, particularly those involved in data analysis of particle detection experiments and the study of electron behavior in gaseous detectors.

CptXray
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Homework Statement


Hello, I have a problem with my data analysis from my lab. My goal is to find drift velocity of the electron and it's diffusion coefficient. The experiment looked like this: I've measured the time difference between signals on two gaseous detectors. The source of the signal were ##\alpha## particles from radioactive element inside the measurement system. Alpha particles ionize the gas inside chamber and then electrons are accelerated in a constant potential etc. Everything went fine until professor said that full width at half maximum should be ##\sigma = A \cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}## and it does match my data:
dyfuzjaforum.png

Homework Equations


The problem is that in general ##\sigma = \sqrt{2Dt}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know to go form ##\sqrt{2Dt}## to ##A\cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}##, because the last thing to do is finding diffusion coefficient. I'd appreciate any help and tips.
 

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CptXray said:

Homework Statement


Hello, I have a problem with my data analysis from my lab. My goal is to find drift velocity of the electron and it's diffusion coefficient. The experiment looked like this: I've measured the time difference between signals on two gaseous detectors. The source of the signal were ##\alpha## particles from radioactive element inside the measurement system. Alpha particles ionize the gas inside chamber and then electrons are accelerated in a constant potential etc. Everything went fine until professor said that full width at half maximum should be ##\sigma = A \cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}## and it does match my data:View attachment 239773

Homework Equations


The problem is that in general ##\sigma = \sqrt{2Dt}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know to go form ##\sqrt{2Dt}## to ##A\cdot t^{3/2} + \sigma_{0}##, because the last thing to do is finding diffusion coefficient. I'd appreciate any help and tips.
Please define all your variables.
 

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