Magnetic photomultiplier tube system

An ion detection system comprising:

• a converter configured for converting ions impinging thereon to electrons;
• a front plate for creating a preliminary electric field intermediate the converter and the front grid;
• a magnetic system for generating a magnetic field,
• the preliminary electric and magnetic fields are positioned normally to each other;
• a scintillator configured for converting the electrons impinging thereon to photons;
• and
• a light guide for guiding the photons exiting the scintillator to a magnetic photomultiplier tube (PMT) system, the magnetic PMT system being positioned within the magnetic field and comprising:
• a photocathode for converting an impinging photon to a photoelectron;
• a dynode configured to generate secondary electrons upon impingement of the photoelectron thereon;
• and
• at least two or a series of oppositely facing pairs of dynodes, wherein each pair is spaced apart from an adjacent pair,
• wherein a first electric field is generated in between the pair of oppositely facing dynodes, the orientation of the first electric field being normal to the orientation of the magnetic field, for facilitating the secondary electron transfer to the next adjacent pair of dynodes.

A particle detection system comprising:

• an optional conversion system for converting the particle to a photon;
• and
• a magnetic PMT system comprising:
• a photocathode for converting an impinging photon to a photoelectron;
• an anode;
• and
• a series of dynodes comprising at least two or a series of oppositely facing pairs of dynodes, wherein each pair is spaced apart from an adjacent pair,
• a first electric field being generated intermediate each pair of oppositely facing dynodes and a second electric field generated intermediate adjacent pairs of dynodes;
• and
• a magnetic field generated by a magnetic system, the PMT being positioned within the magnetic field.