Channeltron entrance aperture gain variations for energetic heavy ions

Abstract

Considerable differences in the current gain have been found in a channel electron multiplier when used as a detector of 100 keV N₁⁺ ions, depending on the point of impact at the channel entrance. These differences occur at high current gains which are usually considered near to saturation. In contrast to the current gain, the detection efficiency shows no significant variation with the point of impact, suggesting that at least one of the electrons from the primary interaction of the ion with the secondary surface is multiplied by the channel to provide a detectable pulse.