Photomultiplier tube (PMT) having a reflective photocathode array
AssigneeKLA-Tencor Corporation
InventorDerek Cameron Mackay
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An internal portion of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) having a reflective photocathode array, and a method for manufacturing the same, are provided. The internal portion of the PMT comprises the reflective photocathode array and at least one dynode structure corresponding to the array of reflective photocathodes. Each reflective photocathode receives light and from the light, generates photoelectrons which then travel towards the at least one dynode structure. Upon the photoelectrons making contact with the at least one dynode structure, the photoelectrons are multiplied.
Claims22
A head-on photomultiplier tube (PMT), comprising:
- a housing having a top end with a window, two lateral sides, and a bottom end;
- an array of reflective photocathodes within the housing, each of the reflective photocathodes for receiving light entering the housing through the window of the top end of the housing, and for generating photoelectrons from the received light;
- and
- at least one dynode structure within the housing and corresponding to the array of reflective photocathodes for multiplying the photoelectrons generated by the corresponding array of reflective photocathodes.
A method for manufacturing a head-on photomultiplier tube (PMT), comprising:
- configuring, within a housing having a top end with a window, two lateral sides, and a bottom end, an array of reflective photocathodes, each of the reflective photocathodes being at a position capable of receiving light entering the housing through the window of the top end of the housing;
- and
- providing, within the housing, at least one dynode structure corresponding to the array of reflective photocathodes, the at least one dynode structure being at a position capable of receiving photoelectrons when generated by the corresponding array of reflective photocathodes from the received light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.