Article
Article
Photomultiplier
Article By:
Engstrom, Ralph W. Electro Optics and Devices, RCA Laboratories, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Last reviewed:January 2020
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.511050
A very sensitive vacuum-tube detector of light or radiant flux containing a photocathode which converts the light to photoelectrons; one or more secondary-electron-emitting electrodes or dynodes which amplify the number of photoelectrons; and an output electrode or anode which collects the secondary electrons and provides the electrical output signal. It is less frequently known as a multiplier phototube or photomultiplier tube. Because of the very large amplification provided by the secondary-emission mechanism, and the very short time variation associated with the passage of the electrons within the device, the photomultiplier is applied to the detection and measurement of very low light levels, especially if very high speed of response is required.
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