Information AboutPhotomultiplier Tube |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PHOTOMULTIPLIER | |
| particle detectors | |
| vacuum tubes | |
| medical imaging | |
| sensors | |
| optical devices | |
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STRUCTURE AND OPERATING PRINCIPLES .]] Photomultipliers are constructed from a glass Vacuum Tube which houses a Photocathode , several Dynode s, and an Anode . Incident Photons strike the Photocathode material which is present as a thin deposit on the entry window of the device, with Electrons being produced as a consequence of the Photoelectric Effect . These electrons are directed by the focusing Electrode towards the Electron Multiplier , where electrons are multiplied by the process of secondary emission. The electron multiplier consists of a number of Electrode s, called dynodes. Each Dynode is held at a more positive voltage than the previous one. The Electron s leave the photocathode, having the energy of the incoming photon. As they move towards the first dynode they are accelerated by the electric field and arrive with much greater energy. On striking the first dynode, more low energy electrons are emitted and these, in turn, are accelerated toward the second dynode. The geometry of the dynode chain is such that a cascade occurs with an ever-increasing number of electrons being produced at each stage. Finally the anode is reached where the accumulation of charge results in a sharp current pulse indicating the arrival of a photon at the photocathode. USAGE CONSIDERATIONS Photomultiplier tubes typically require 1000 to 2000 volts for proper operation. The most negative voltage is connected to the cathode, and the most positive voltage is connected to the anode. (Negative high voltage supplies are usually preferred.) Voltages are distributed to the dynodes by a resistive Voltage Divider , though variations such as active designs (with transistors or diodes) are possible. The divider design influences aspects such as the frequency response and rise time, and therefore may be critical to an application. While powered, photomultipliers must be shielded from ambient light to prevent their destruction through overexcitation. If used in a location with high magnetic fields (which will curve electron paths), they are usually shielded by a layer of Mu-metal . SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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