A 10,000 g Photomultiplier

Abstract

An extremely small photomultiplier tube capable of withstanding shock accelerations in excess of 10,000 g's has been developed. The tube is composed of (1) a multi-alkali photocathode deposited on an end-on window that is transfer sealed to the tube body, (2) an electron multiplier composed of 1008 continuous dynode electron multipliers, (3) a cylindrical tube body especially designed for hard mounting, and (4) a ruggedized anode. Only four electrical connections are needed to operate the tube. The tube weighs less than 13 grams and occupies a volume of less than a cubic inch. Tube operation under dc and wide bandwidth conditions are discussed. In addition, performance characteristics are discussed. These characteristics include gain, power dissipation, dark current, and output current. Potential uses for the tube are also described which include (1) scintillation sensing, (2) laser pulse detection, (3) space instrumentation aDplications, and (4) spatial as well as time resolution potential.