Search
Menu
Meadowlark Optics - SEE WHAT

Photomultipliers: Low-Light, High-Speed Specialists

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
Rapid detection of light calls for a sensitive detector and electronics that do not introduce additional signal noise. In fact, for very rapid detection, detector shot noise does not determine the signal-to-noise ratio. Instead, the amplifier has the most impact, which is why many designers have selected a photomultiplier tube for the high-speed or low-light-level detection of  photons.

Ken Kaufmann, Hamamatsu Corporation

The applications where rapid detection of light is a must are many. They include a wide variety: semiconductor inspection, gene sequencing, oil well logging and high-energy physics. The reasons for high-speed detection are varied, but often the motivation is either high sample throughput or short signal life. Detection at high speed often means that the total number of detected photons is very small. Basic requirements include a sensitive detector and electronics that do not add to signal noise. A photomultiplier tube (PMT) that can detect single photons and lessen the signal-to-noise problem...Read full article

Related content from Photonics Media



    Articles


    Products


    Photonics Handbook Articles


    White Papers


    Webinars


    Photonics Dictionary Terms


    Media


    Photonics Buyers' Guide Categories


    Companies
    Glossary
    signal-to-noise ratio
    The ratio of the power in a desired signal to the undesirable noise present in the absence of a signal.
    shot noise
    Noise generated by the random variations in the number and velocity of the electrons from an emitter.
    photocathode
    An electrode used to release photoelectric emission when irradiated, making it then the irradiated negative electrode of a phototube.
    Detectors, Cameras & ImagingFeaturesenergyphoton countingSensors & Detectorssignal-to-noise ratioshot noisephysicssemiconductorsgene sequencingphotomultiplier tubesPMTphotocathode

    We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.