Picosecond time response characteristics of microchannel plate PMT detectors

James S. Milnes; J. Howorth

doi:10.1117/12.568180

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17 March 2005 Picosecond time response characteristics of microchannel plate PMT detectors

James S. Milnes, J. Howorth

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Proceedings Volume 5580, 26th International Congress on High-Speed Photography and Photonics; (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.568180
Event: 26th International Congress on High-Speed Photography and Photonics, 2004, Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Abstract

The output pulse width in the time response of photo-multiplier tubes (PMT) is much faster in micro-channel plate (MCP) models compared to more standard dynode chain PMTs due to a vastly reduced variation in the path length of the electrons through the amplifying system. Typically the pulse widths can be in the region of 200ps compared to the nanosecond domain occupied by the best conventional PMTs. Photek manufacture PMTs with one, two or three MCPs depending on the gain required, and also use the same structure without any MCPs to work as simple photodiodes. We demonstrate the variation of output pulse characteristics due to the number and design of MCPs in a range of PMT models and illustrate the importance of having a properly designed 50ohm transmission line to deliver the pulse from the detector.

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James S. Milnes and J. Howorth "Picosecond time response characteristics of microchannel plate PMT detectors", Proc. SPIE 5580, 26th International Congress on High-Speed Photography and Photonics, (17 March 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.568180

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