Microstructure photomultiplier assembly

A photomultiplier assembly suitable for enabling the effective conversion of light signals into readily-detectable electrical signals comprising:

• a photocathode adapted to convert light into electrons that is positioned in front of or on the front surface of the assembly;
• at least one electron-multiplying plate made from an insulating substrate which does not emit sufficient contaminants to poison said photocathode, said plate being coated on the front and rear faces with a conductive layer, said front face of each plate is further coated with a layer of secondary electron-emissive material which, when struck by an incoming electron, produces secondary electrons, said plate being perforated with channels which have non-conducting walls, the number and geometry of these channels being adapted to promote the efficient transfer and acceleration of electrons through the channels under an applied voltage differential across said plate, at the exit of the last plate, there being an anode positioned to collect the electrons and generate an electrical signal adapted to be read by conventional electronic means, the photocathode, the electron-multiplying plate, or series of plates, and the anode all being contained within a vacuum enclosure.