Authors: Carney, Kevin P.; Goldberg, Joel M.

Source: Applied Spectroscopy, Volume 41, Issue 2, Pages 173-336 (February 1987) , pp. 308-311(4)

Publisher: Society for Applied Spectroscopy

Abstract:

In many applications, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) must be operated at high gains in order for one to obtain adequate detection of low-light-level signals. However, when an intense light pulse immediately precedes the low-level light signal, the PMT may be promoted into a state of saturation. Saturation is the nonlinear enhancement of the anode current with respect to the intense photon flux incident upon the photocathode. This is caused by the redistribution of the biasing potential across the dynode chain. The last dynodes are unable to be sustained at a constant potential because of space charge depletion of the dynode surfaces. Further illumination of the photocathode results in a nonlinear increase in photocurrent. Saturation effects may last up to several microseconds, rendering the photomultiplier tube inoperable. In the extreme, intense light pulses may result in permanent damage to the MPT.

Keywords: Photoelectric detection; Pulsed photomultiplier tube; Spectroscopic techniques; Time-resolved spectroscopy

Document Type: Short communication

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1366/000370287774986921

Affiliations: 1: Department of Chemistry, University of Vermont, Bington, Vermont 05405

Publication date: 1987-02-01

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