Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) offer a most cost effective, low light level measurement solution. PMTs have very low noise levels and are several orders of magnitude more sensitive than any other detector for UV and visible radiation. We offer PMT models with a full range of spectral sensitivities in both end-on and side-on versions, as well as PMT system components supporting DC, modulated and pulsed measurements. Pulse measurements from nanoseconds to milliseconds are possible at useful photocurrent levels of 100 µA to 1 mA and above.
Which Photomultiplier Tube do I Choose?
With all the choices, it can become confusing deciding on the appropriate PMT for your measurement application. Below we describe the options. If you need further help, or want to validate your choice, please call a Sales Engineer for guidance.
Side-on Photomultipliers
These detectors are more economical than end-on models, have the fastest risetimes and are ideal for photometry and spectrophotometry applications. Their vertical configuration takes up less space than the end-on versions. They mount in the standard or pulsed housings. The main disadvantage of these tubes is their non-uniform sensitivity (refer to Fig. 3). However, the model 77360 Side-on PMT has a good uniformity of response, similar to the end-on tubes.
End-on Photomultipliers
These detectors have a large photocathode area, and greater uniformity. When mounted in the 70692 , 70686 Pulsed or 77264 , 77265 Standard Housings, they couple directly to our 1/8 m or 1/4 m monochromators without the need for a focusing lens.
(Note: 70692 and 77265 are only for customers with 70705 Power Supply)
Pulsed or DC Operation
All our PMTs can be used in a pulsed mode or DC. The housing determines the operation. Typical risetimes and electron transit times (the delay due to the finite time needed for electrons to transverse the multiplier chain) for all PMTs are listed in the specification table. These times are a function of bias voltage and/or the voltage divider network. They get shorter at higher bias voltages. You need to balance the desire for fast response with the increased noise levels at high biases.
Which Housing Do I Choose?
We offer two types of housings for both end-on and side-on PMTs.
PMT Housings for Low Noise DC Operation
For lowest noise DC operation, use the 70683 , 70680 Housing for side-on tubes or the 77264 , 77265 Housing for end-on models. These housings are also the best for short pulse measurements (up to 10 µs long). You can obtain 1 mA level outputs from most of the tubes, in response to short pulses, which will provide easily measurable 50 mV readings when 50 ohm terminations are used.
(Note: 70680 and 77265 are only for customers with 70705 Power Supply)
PMT Housings for Long Pulse Operation
The 70684 , 70685 , 70686 and 70692 Housings allow you to obtain 100 µA level pulse responses which can also be converted to 50 mV or higher readings with larger load resistors, the nanosecond response times not being critical for longer pulses. These housings also function well in DC applications.
Tech Note
PMTs can be damaged by exposure to excessive light levels in the presence of bias voltage. This is due to anode damage by high current densities. Opening your optical set-up while the PMT is biased can easily lead to a need for an expensive replacement tube. Please note the maximum DC anode currents in the Ordering Information Table (averaged over any 30 time interval), and make sure they are not exceeded in your standard set-up. For pulsed applications you can draw up up to 50x higher currents for short times, as long as average current ratings are not exceeded.
The photocathodes of PMTs are very light sensitive. Their noise behavior is negatively affected by exposure to strong light, even in the absence of bias voltage, and may take some time to recover once they are screened from light. Typically, more than half an hour is required for recovery. You may need several hours to return to the lowest noise levels.
Typical responsivity curves of photomultiplier tubes.
Fig. 3 Uniformity of Response for Side-on and End-on PMTs.
The Choices
You need to answer three questions in order to choose the appropriate PMT components to build a system:
1. What wavelength range do you need?
We have PMTs that are sensitive in the UV, as low as 160 nm, and in the NIR as high as 1100 nm (see the responsivity curves).
2. Do you want a side-on or end-on PMT?
Side-on PMTs are more economical; the end-on systems have a larger photocathode area and have a more uniform responsivity.
3. Do you need one calibrated for use with a Newport Power Meter?
We offer versions with DB15 connectors that are calibrated for use with Newport Optical Power Meters.
What Do I Need to Build a System?
To build a complete PMT System, you need:
- End-on or Side-on PMT
- 70683 , 70680 Side-on or 77264 , 77265 End-on PMT Housing (Note: 70680 and 77265 are only for customers with 70705 Power Supply)
- 70706 PMT Power Supply
- Newport Power Meter
|
Model |
Current Amplification** |
Anode Responsivity** |
Anode Dark Current** |
Rise Time** |
Transit Time* |
NEP**
(W Hz-1/2) |
|
Side-on Photomultiplier Tubes |
| 77341
|
5.0 x 106 |
2.0 x 105 A/W |
2 nA |
2.2 ns |
22 ns |
2.8 x 10-16 |
| 77343
|
2.0 x 105 |
380 A/W |
30 nA |
2.0 ns |
20 ns |
1.2 x 10-13 |
| 77348
|
1.0 x 107 |
6.8 x 105 A/W |
2 nA |
2.2 ns |
22 ns |
1.2 x 10-16 |
| 77360
|
1.3 x 106 |
9.1 x 104 A/W |
5 nA |
1.2 ns |
18 ns |
5.0 x 10-16 |
| End-on Photomultiplier Tubes |
| 77346
|
5.3 x 105 |
3.4 x 104 A/W |
3 nA |
15 ns |
60 ns |
6.6 x 10-16 |
| 77361
|
5.0 x 105 |
950 A/W |
1000 nA |
10 ns |
50 ns |
4.2 x 10-13 |
*Typical values at the specified Test Bias Voltage.
**Typical value at peak wavelength.
