Experimental timing and control using microcontrollers

Abstract

Modern physics experiments rely on precise timing provided by programmable digital pulse generators. In many experimental control systems, this role is filled by custom devices built on field-programmable gate arrays. While highly flexible and performant, these devices can be difficult to scale to very large systems due to cost and complexity. Recent advances in microcontroller systems allow these much simpler devices to fill the role of digital pulse generators. Here, we demonstrate one such alternative based on the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller, which allows for timing resolution down to 7.5 ns with a minimum pulse width of 37.5 ns.