US 5,374,826 A · Hybrid photomultiplier tube with high sensitivity

Abstract

A focused electron/bombarded (FEB) ion detector comprising an MCP, focusing means, and a collection anode disposed in a detector body. The collector anode includes a diode for receiving the focused output electron beam from the MCP. The gain between the input ion current to the MCP and the detector output signal from the diode is on the order of 1-100 million, depending on the device configuration and applied biasing voltages. A hybrid photomultiplier tube includes a photocathode, a photodiode for collecting and multiplying electrons emitted by the photocathode and providing an output signal and electrodes for focusing the electrons on the photodiode. A vacuum envelope encloses a vacuum region between photocathode and the detector. A conductor disposed on or adjacent to a sidewall of the vacuum envelope reduces the effect of electrical charges on the inside wall of the vacuum envelope on the trajectories of the electrons.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A photomultiplier tube comprising:

a photocathode for emitting electrons in response to incident photons;
a detector for collecting and multiplying said electrons emitted by said photocathode and providing an output signal representative of said incident photons;
one or more electrodes for focusing said electrons on said detector;
means for accelerating said electrons toward said detector;
a vacuum envelope defining a vacuum region between said photocathode and said detector, said vacuum envelope including a sidewall adjacent to a path of said electrons between said photocathode and said detector;
and
a conductor disposed on or adjacent to said sidewall for reducing the effect of electrical charges on said sidewall on trajectories of said electrons.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Hybrid photomultiplier tube with high sensitivity

Life of this patent

Hybrid photomultiplier tube with high sensitivity

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26