US 8,735,833 B2 · Photomultiplier and detection systems

Abstract

The invention provides a switchable photomultiplier switchable between a detecting state and a non-detecting state including a cathode upon which incident radiation is arranged to impinge. The photomultiplier also includes a series of dynodes arranged to amplify a current created at the cathode upon detection of photoradiation. The invention also provides a detection system arranged to detect radiation-emitting material in an object. The system includes a detector switchable between a detecting state in which the detector is arranged to detect radiation and a non-detecting state in which the detector is arranged to not detect radiation. The system further includes a controller arranged to control switching of the detector between the states such that the detector is switched to the non-detecting state while an external radiation source is irradiating the object.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A photomultiplier, wherein said photomultiplier is adapted to be switchable between a detecting state and a non-detecting state, comprising:

a cathode, wherein said cathode is arranged to receive incident radiation;
a plurality of electrodes;
and
a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes, wherein said first electrode is operatively closest to the cathode relative to other of said plurality of electrodes, wherein said first electrode is at a first potential and wherein an electrical potential of the cathode is switchable between a second potential, below the first potential, when the photomultiplier is in the detecting state and a third potential, above the second potential, when the photomultiplier is in the non-detecting state.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Photomultiplier and detection systems

Life of this patent

Photomultiplier and detection systems

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19