frequently asked questions

If you don't see the answer to the question you have here, then send it to Photomultiplier Doctor via this form

View a faq by clicking on its title.

      How do photomultipliers work
  Why are photomultipliers offered with different pin configurations?
      Will a photomultiplier exposed to ambient light, while on, be permanently damaged?
      Can I store photomultipliers for a long time?
      I have an old photomultiplier. How can I easily find out if it is in working order?
      What photomultipliers do you recommend for low and stable dark count?
      Can I use a laser as input to a photomultiplier?
         
  How do I deal with too much signal from a photomultiplier?
  How many photoelectrons will my 100 µJ laser produce from a typical photomultiplier?
  Why is my signal saturated?
      What is the difference between having an anode load or no anode load?
      What is the meaning of A/lm and how does it relate to the applied high voltage?
      What is the significance of nominal A/lm?
    How do I keep the signal from vanishing whilst cooling my extended red response photomultiplier to decrease the dark count (aka background)?
     
  Why do I get negative values when photon counting?
  What is the best dynode structure for photon counting?
  How can I optimise my photomultiplier for photon counting?
     
  What are the most important factors in choosing a photomultiplier for scintillation counting?
  What is the relationship between the energy of the x-rays and the number of photons or
photoelectrons produced?
  Do you have any documents with background information and application notes which explain how to design systems with the tubes?

 

catch the light
electron tubes