Abstract: The photomultiplier tube 1 is provided with an electron multiplying part 33 having a plurality of stages of dynodes 33a to 331 arrayed along a direction at which electrons are multiplied on an inner surface 40a of a casing 5 and a photocathode 41 and an anode part 34 installed so as to be spaced away form the electron multiplying part 33 inside the casing 5. Each of the dynode 33c to 33e is provided with a plurality of columnar parts 51c to 51e where secondary electron emitting surfaces 53c to 53e are formed, thereby forming electron multiplying channels C between adjacent columnar parts.

Abstract: A voltage divider for supplying a photomultiplier. The voltage divider may include a plurality of active circuits, each of the active circuits configured to establish divided voltage levels at separate ports of a photomultiplier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of obtaining a record of repetitive optical or other phenomena having durations in the picosecond range, comprising a circular scan electron tube to receive light pulses and convert them to electron images consisting with fast nanosecond electronic signals, a continuous wave light or other particle pulses, e.g. electron picosecond pulses, and a synchronizing mechanism arranged to synchronize the deflection of the electron image (images) in the tube (tubes) with the repetition rate of the incident pulse train. There is also provided a method and apparatus for digitization of a repetitive and random optical waveform with a bandwidth higher than 10 GHz.

Abstract: An image intensifying device includes a lens that is positioned at a light input that forms an image of a scene. The image intensifying device also includes an image intensifier tube that includes a photocathode that is positioned to receive the image formed by the lens. The photocathode generates photoelectrons in response to the light image of the scene. The image intensifier tube also includes a microchannel plate having an input surface comprising the photocathode. The microchannel plate receives the photoelectrons generated by the photocathode and generating secondary electrons. An electron detector receives the secondary electrons generated by the microchannel plate and generates an intensified image of the scene.

Abstract: A photoluminescence measurement system can include an optical source.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having conductive input and output surfaces disposed in a housing. A conductive lower support is in electrical contact with the output surface of the MCP, and a conductive upper support is disposed above the input surface of the MCP. A shape memory alloy (SMA) lockdown is disposed between the input surface of the MCP and the upper support. The SMA lockdown is configured to provide a lockdown for the MCP in the housing. An SMA upper surface is configured to provide an axial force against the upper support, and an SMA lower surface is in contact with the input surface of the MCP.

Abstract: A sealing structure for an optical device, such as an image intensifier device, is provided. The optical device includes an evacuated housing and an anode positioned within the evacuated housing. An interior sealing member extends from the anode. An exterior sealing member extends from a component of the image intensifier device, wherein the exterior sealing member is positioned to extend adjacent to and substantially parallel with the interior sealing member such that a gap is defined between the sealing members. A seal cup is positioned for sealing engagement with both the interior sealing member and the exterior sealing member to substantially maintain a vacuum condition within the housing.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a charge multiplying solid-state imaging device, and includes an imaging area 10 that generates a charge according to the amount of incident light, a plurality of output register units 21 to 24 that receive the charge from the imaging area 10, and a plurality of multiplication register units 31 to 34 that multiply charges from the output registers 21 to 24, respectively, and the multiplication register units 31 to 34 are different in the number of multiplication stages from each other.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that can be used to interface a sensor circuit with readout circuitry. The techniques can be employed, for instance, with microchannel plate (MCP) based devices used in numerous sensing/detection applications, and are particularly suitable for applications where it is desirable to interface an MCP having a relatively large active area to a readout circuit having a relatively smaller active area. The interface effectively decouples anode geometry from readout circuit geometry and also may be configured with flexible anode pad geometry, which allows for compensation of optical blur variations as well as a very high fill factor. The interface can be made using standard semiconductor materials and photolithography techniques and can be configured with thermal expansion qualities that closely track or otherwise match that of the readout circuitry.

Abstract: A novel electron multiplier that regulates in real time the gain of downstream dynodes as the instrument receives input signals is introduced. In particular, the methods, electron multiplier structures, and coupled control circuits of the present invention enable a resultant on the fly control signal to be generated upon receiving a predetermined threshold detection signal so as to enable the voltage regulation of one or more downstream dynodes near the output of the device. Accordingly, such a novel design, as presented herein, prevents the dynodes near the output of the instrument from being exposed to deleterious current pulses that can accelerate the aging process of the dynode structures that are essential to the device.

Abstract: An image intensifying device includes a lens that is positioned at a light input that forms an image of a scene. The image intensifying device also includes an image intensifier tube that includes a photocathode that is positioned to receive the image formed by the lens. The photocathode generates photoelectrons in response to the light image of the scene. The image intensifier tube also includes a microchannel plate having an input surface comprising the photocathode. The microchannel plate receives the photoelectrons generated by the photocathode and generating secondary electrons. An electron detector receives the secondary electrons generated by the microchannel plate and generates an intensified image of the scene.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an ionizing radiation sensor having a first scintillator for generating photons from incoming ionizing radiation, an imaging intensifier for amplifying the photons, and an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) coupled to the imaging intensifier for sensing the amplified photons generated by the imaging intensifier. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that can be used to increase the dynamic range of a microchannel plate (MCP) device, thereby eliminating the need for conventional techniques such as gating. In one example embodiment, an MCP device is provided that includes a plurality of channels, each channel for amplifying a photoelectron input to the channel and for producing an electron cloud at its output. The device further includes one or more charging switches associated with each channel for allowing charging current to flow so as to charge that channel in response to producing an electron cloud. In some such example cases, the plurality of channels and the one or more switches are implemented in silicon, and the one or more charging switches turn on only in the presence of the electron cloud produced at the corresponding channel output.

Abstract: Method and systems related to obstructing a first predefined portion of at least one defined wavelength of light incident upon a first photo-detector array; and detecting the at least one defined wavelength of light with a photo-detector in a second photo-detector array.

Abstract: A system for controlling photomultiplier gain drift is disclosed. According to one aspect, the system includes first means for measuring a noise signal of the photomultiplier, the first means configured emit a measurement signal representative of the photomultiplier's noise signal. The system further includes second means for maintaining the measured noise signal at a constant level, based on the measurement signal. The disclosed embodiments apply to stabilization of the gain of photomultipliers and, more specifically, to stabilization of neutron measurement systems using photomultipliers.

Abstract: In an MCP assembly 10 having one or a plurality of MCPs 5, 6 sandwiched with an input-side electrode 4 and an output-side electrode 7, there provided at the surface facing the MCP 5, 6 of at least either (preferably, both) of the input-side electrode 4 and the output-side electrode 7, is a substantially annular contact face that contacts the MCP surface to fix the same, and there provided at a periphery of the contact face is a separation surface retracted in a direction to be separated from the MCP surface. Thereby, provided is an MCP assembly having a construction enabled to prevent damage to the MCP in manufacturing and handling.

Abstract: An image intensifying device includes a lens that is positioned at a light input that forms an image of a scene. The image intensifying device also includes an image intensifier tube that includes a photocathode that is positioned to receive the image formed by the lens. The photocathode generates photoelectrons in response to the light image of the scene. The image intensifier tube also includes a microchannel plate having an input surface comprising the photocathode. The microchannel plate receives the photoelectrons generated by the photocathode and generating secondary electrons. An electron detector receives the secondary electrons generated by the microchannel plate and generates an intensified image of the scene.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that can be used to interface a microchannel plate (MCP) with readout circuitry. The techniques can be employed, for instance, with MCP based devices used in a numerous sensing/detection applications, and are particularly suitable for applications where it is desirable to interface an MCP having a relatively large active area to a readout circuit having a relatively smaller active area. The interface effectively decouples anode geometry from ROIC geometry and may also be configured with flexible anode pad geometry, which allows for compensation of optical blur variations as well as a very high fill factor. The interface can be made using standard semiconductor materials and photolithography techniques, and can be configured with thermal expansion qualities that closely track or otherwise match that of the readout circuitry.

Abstract: A operating circuit and control method for protecting a PMT having a photocathode, a plurality of dynodes and an anode against overloading with a shorter reaction time, and to allow it to be switched on again rapidly. For this purpose, a switch is provided for electrically short circuiting the photocathode with the first dynode, or a switch is provided for reversing the polarity of the voltage between the photocathode and the first dynode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-luminance imaging device using a silicon photomultiplier, which includes a first optical portion for collecting incident light, the silicon photomultiplier including a plurality of microcells so that photons of collected light are converted into photoelectrons which are then multiplied, a phosphor screen for converting the multiplied photoelectrons into photons, a second optical portion for transferring the converted photons, and an image sensor for picking-up the transferred photons thus obtaining an image, so that the imaging device has a high photomultiplication factor thereby obtaining an image having good image quality even at low luminance and achieving a low bias voltage and a small size.

Abstract: The subject invention provides for a novel photomultiplier assembly, termed the Microstructure Photomultiplier Assembly (MPA), which enables the effective conversion of light signals (received at the front of the assembly) into readily-detectable electrical signals. The MPA comprises a photocathode (which converts light into electrons and which is located in front of or on the front surface of the assembly), followed by an electron-multiplying plate, or series of plates, each made from an insulating substrate which does not emit sufficient contaminants to poison the photocathode. Each plate is coated on the front and rear faces with a conductive layer. In addition, the front face of each plate is further coated with a layer of secondary electron-emissive material which, when struck by an incoming electron, can produce secondary electrons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for equalizing gain in an array of electron multiplication (EM) pixels is disclosed, each pixel having one or more impact ionization gain stages with implants to achieve charge transfer directionality and comprising a phase 1 clocked gate, an EM clocked gate, and two DC gates formed between the phase 1 clocked gate and the EM clocked gate, comprising the steps of (a) applying initial voltages to each of the DC gates and the EM clocked gates of at least two pixels of a plurality of pixels; (b) clocking phase 1 clock gates and an EM clock gates associated with the at least two pixels of the plurality of pixels a predetermined number of times to achieve an average pixel intensity value after impact ionization gain; and (c) selectively adjusting the difference in voltage between the DC gate and corresponding EM clocked gate of the at least two pixels of the plurality of pixels until the difference between the resulting pixel intensity values and the average pixel intensity value needed to p

Abstract: Silicon photomultiplier circuitry is provided that comprises at least one silicon photomultiplier pixel, each pixel comprising a plurality of silicon photomultiplier microcells. The silicon photomultiplier circuitry comprises control circuitry adapted to maintain a substantially constant voltage on a connection node between microcells of the pixel. The control circuitry is adapted to minimise the onset and recovery time of an output signal by maintaining a substantially constant voltage on the connection node.

Abstract: The optical device includes a waveguide and a light sensor on a base. The light sensor includes a ridge extending from slab regions positioned on opposing sides of the ridge. The ridge includes a multiplication layer and an absorption layer. The absorption layer is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light signal from the waveguide. Additionally, the absorption layer generates a hole and electron pair in response to receiving a photon of the light signal. The multiplication layer is positioned to receive the electron generated in the absorption layer and to generate additional electrons in response to receiving the electron.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photomultiplier having a structure that enables to perform high gain and satisfy higher required characteristics. In the photomultiplier, an electron-multiplying unit accommodated in a sealed container comprises a focusing electrode, an accelerating electrode, a dynode unit, and an anode. Particularly, at least the accelerating electrode and dynode unit are held unitedly in a state that at least a first-stage dynode and a second-stage included in the dynode unit are opposite directly to the accelerating electrode not through a conductive material. A conventional metal disk for supporting directly dynodes which are set to the same potential as that of the first-stage dynode is not placed between the accelerating electrode and dynode unit; thus, variations of the transit time of electrons may be drastically reduced while the electrons reach from the cathode to the second-stage dynode via the first-stage dynode.

Abstract: A vacuum vessel (18) is configured by hermetically joining a faceplate (13) with one end of a side tube (15) and hermetically joining a stem (50) with another end via a ring-shaped side tube (37). Within the vacuum vessel (18), a focus electrode (17), dynodes (Dy1-Dy9), an anode (25), and a dynode (Dy10) are arranged from the side of a photocathode (14) provided to the faceplate (13). The dynode (Dy10) is supported on spacers (33) and a positioning protrusion (31) provided on the stem (50). The anode (25) is placed on support members (21). The focus electrode (17), the dynodes (Dy1-Dy9), and the anode (25) are stacked with inter-layer members (23) interposed therebetween, the inter-layer members (23) being located coaxially with the support members (21), to ensure high anti-vibration performance. Because the anode (25) and the dynode (Dy10) have no insulating body therebetween, light emission is suppressed and noises can be reduced.

Abstract: An object is to sufficiently keep the airtightness in a vacuum container even when it is made smaller. A photomultiplier tube 1 comprises a flat sheet-like lower substrate 4, a casing-like frame 3b erected on the lower substrate 4, an upper substrate 2 including a frame 3a airtightly joined to an opening part of the frame 3b while holding a low-melting metal therebetween, and a frame-like projection 25b arranged in parallel with the frame 3b on the inner side of the frame 3b on the lower substrate 4.

Abstract: An imager system is disclosed comprising a image intensifier and a CMOS image sensor. The system provides fast capture speed and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A microchannel plate includes a substrate defining a plurality of pores extending from a top surface of the substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate. The plurality of pores includes a resistive material on an outer surface that forms a first emissive layer. A second emissive layer is formed over the first emissive layer. The second emissive layer is chosen to achieve at least one of an increase in secondary electron emission efficiency and a decrease in gain degradation as a function of time. A top electrode is positioned on the top surface of the substrate and a bottom electrode is positioned on the bottom surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A scanning imaging system is provided. The scanning imaging system comprises an illumination source for illuminating a sample with an excitation light, a filter to block emission light wavelengths from the illumination source. Further, the scanning imaging system comprises a SSPM module comprising a solid state photo multiplier to detect a photon flux and generate electrical signals based on impinging photons; a conditioning circuit to accumulate charge from the SSPM and a micro-controller to change a bias voltage applied to the SSPM to achieve a higher signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A vacuum vessel is configured by hermetically joining a faceplate to one end of a side tube and a stem to the other end via a tubular member. A photocathode, a focusing electrode, dynodes, a drawing electrode, and anodes are arranged within the vacuum vessel. At the center of the stem an air discharging tube is connected. The air discharging tube includes an outer side tube and an inner side tube, which are disposed coaxially and connected to each other at the stem side. The outer side tube has high adhesiveness with the stem and the inner side tube is thin and has small stress when being cut, thereby enabling the joint with the vacuum vessel not to be damaged when the air discharging tube is sealed.

Abstract: A voltage divider for supplying a photomultiplier. The voltage divider may include a plurality of active circuits, each of the active circuits configured to establish divided voltage levels at separate ports of a photomultiplier.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a storage portion of carriers, a multiplier section having a multiplier electrode multiplying carriers, a holding portion of the carriers and a readout electrode of carriers, wherein the multiplier electrode is set to an OFF-state potential and carriers are transferred to the holding portion after the potential of the readout electrode is set to an ON-state potential, and the ON-state potential of the readout electrode is maintained at least until a signal corresponding to the carriers transferred to the holding portion is read.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photomultiplier (10) with a fastening device, where the photomultiplier (10) has a solid cylindrical body, particularly a glass body (11), and a tubular jacket, a light inlet (12) on the front end and connecting contacts (14) on the back end, and where the fastening device has a socket (20) on the front end and a plug contact (30) resting on the connecting contacts (14) on the back end, and where a force-fitting and form-fitting connection is produced between the plug contact (30) and the socket (20) by means of a connecting component (40).

Abstract: A data processing device, comprising a plurality of emitter antennas arranged on a movable data acquisition device and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation including data acquired by the movable data acquisition device, a plurality of receiver antennas each adapted to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each of the plurality of emitter antennas, and a data processing unit coupled to the plurality of receiver antennas and adapted to extract the data acquired by the movable data acquisition device from the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of receiver antennas.

Abstract: A method of generating a single photon, includes preparing an optical resonator including a resonator mode of a resonance angular frequency ?c, preparing a material contained in the optical resonator, including a low energy state |g> and a high energy state |e>, and including a transition angular frequency ?a between |g>?|e> that is varied by an external field, applying, to the material, light of an angular frequency ?l different from the resonance angular frequency ?c, and applying a first external field to the material to vary the transition angular frequency ?a to resonate with the angular frequency ?l, such that a state of the material is changed to |e>, and then applying a second external field to the material to vary the transition angular frequency ?a to resonate with the resonance angular frequency ?c, such that the state of the material is restored to |g>.

Abstract: A single-channel photomultiplier tube having a sealed envelope, of which one wall includes an internal face having a concavity with a central axis, turned toward the inside of the tube, having a plane of symmetry and containing a photocathode, inlet optics including electrodes, an electron multiplier including a plurality of dynodes, an anode, and a mechanism connecting the dynodes, the photocathode, electrodes of the optics, and the anode, at their respective operating voltages. The electron multiplier is composed of parts physically distinct from one another, and having between them a symmetry of revolution with respect to the central axis of the concavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to high-efficient light-recording detectors and can be used for nuclear and laser engineering, and in technical and medical tomography etc. The inventive silicon photoelectric multiplier (variant 1) comprising a p++ type conductivity substrate whose dope additive concentration ranges from 1018 to 1020 cm ?3 and which consists of cells, each of which comprises a p? type conductivity epitaxial layer whose dope additive concentration is gradually changeable from 1018 to 1014 cm?3 and which is grown on the substrate, a p? type conductivity layer whose dope additive concentration ranges from 1015 to 1017 cm?3 and a n+ type conductivity layer whose dope additive concentration ranges from 1018 to 1020 cm?3, wherein a polysilicon resistor connecting the n+ type conductivity layer with a feed bar is arranged in each cell on a silicon oxide layer and separating elements are disposed between the cells.

Abstract: In an image pickup device and its sensitivity compensation method, the image pickup device includes an electron multiplying image pickup device for converting an image into an electrical signal, a temperature detection unit for detecting temperature of the electron multiplying image pickup device, and a control unit for controlling electron multiplication factor of the electron multiplying image pickup device in response to the temperature detected.

Abstract: A pixel for an imager is disclosed that includes at least one electron multiplication (EM) gain stage configured in a loop and electrically coupled to a charge collection region and a charge readout region, the charge collection region being configured to generate a charge packet, the EM gain stage being configured to amplify the charge packet by impact ionization and to circulate the charge packet a predetermined number of times in one direction around the loop, the charge readout region being configured to receive the amplified charge packet and convert the amplified charge to a measurable signal. The at least one EM gain stage, the charge collection region, and the charge readout region can be formed monolithically in an integrated circuit. The pixel can be manufactured using a CMOS process. The pixel can further include a second EM gain stage formed in the integrated circuit to increase the amount of amplification around the loop.

Abstract: A neutron multi-detector array feeds pulses in parallel to individual inputs that are tied to individual bits in a digital word. Data is collected by loading a word at the individual bit level in parallel. The word is read at regular intervals, all bits simultaneously, to minimize latency. The electronics then pass the word to a number of storage locations for subsequent processing, thereby removing the front-end problem of pulse pileup.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube 1 is an electron tube comprising an envelope 5 including a frame 3b having at least one end part formed with an opening and an upper substrate 2 airtightly joined to the opening, and a photocathode 6 contained within the envelope 5, the photocathode 6 emitting a photoelectron into the envelope 5 in response to light incident thereon from the outside; wherein multilayer metal films 10b, 10a each constituted by a metal film made of titanium, a metal film made of platinum, and a metal film made of gold laminated in this order are formed at the opening and the joint part between the upper substrate 2 and opening; and wherein the frame 3b and upper side substrate 2 are joined to each other by holding a joint layer 14 containing indium between the respective multilayer metal films 10b, 10a.

Abstract: An analog real-time signal processing device and method are presented. The device is configured to perform electrical signal processing. The device comprises an electronic circuit including at least one basic unit of electrodes, the basic unit being configured to be sensitive to an external field, such as input photon flux, indicative of a first input signal to cause emission of charged particles and configured to define at least one electrical input for a second input signal and one electrical output, thereby providing the electrical output in the form of an approximation of a product of the first and second input signals.

Abstract: In order to reduce the exposure of a detector surface 180 of a photo-multiplier 160 to stray charged particles, an off-axis structure is interposed between the resonant structure and the detector surface of the photo-multiplier. By providing the off-axis structure with at least one reflective surface, photons are reflected toward the detector surface of the photo-multiplier while at the same time absorbing stray charged particles. Stray particles may be absorbed by the reflective surface or by any other part of the off-axis structure. The off-axis structure may additionally be provided with an electrical bias and/or an absorbing coating for absorbing stray charged particles.

Abstract: A solid-state photomultiplier is provided for use in imaging detectors. The solid-state photomultiplier includes a plurality of microcells configured to detect impinging photons. Each of the plurality of microcells further includes a photodiode coupled to a common electrode through a quenching resistor and configured to convert the impinging photons into electrical signals, and an impedance device coupled in parallel with the quenching resistor so as to reduce overall quenching impedance at high frequency. Further, techniques are provided for implementing low impedance device with controllable value to the SSPM for optimized timing resolution.

Abstract: A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications.

Abstract: An advanced image intensifier assembly provides enhanced functionality. A grounded photocathode provides shielding from electromagnetic interference, improving the ability to work in multiple light conditions. Bi-directional wireless communication and non-volatile storage allow critical information to be permanently stored and read wirelessly at a scanning station, easing in identification of units. Because bi-directional communication components can be embedded within an image intensifier assembly, existing end-user night vision devices can be upgraded by simply replacing the image intensifier assembly. For enhanced safety, a programmable shutdown capability is provided. This renders the device inoperative in the absence of continuous input, either wireless or manual, from an authorized operator, thus rendering the device useless if captured by enemy combatants. Finally, direct 1-volt operation enables the device to be powered by, for example, a single AA battery.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP) for an image intensifier includes an active portion having an input surface area for receiving electrons and an output surface area for outputting multiplied electrons. The input and output surface areas are oriented horizontally with respect to each other and spaced by a vertical distance. A non-active portion surrounds the active portion of the MCP. The non-active portion includes at least one slot extending vertically into the non-active portion and extending horizontally to form a horizontal slotted area. When the MCP is positioned vertically above an electron sensing device having wires looping vertically above the electron sensing device, the slot is configured to receive a portion of the wires, resulting in a vertical clearance between the MCP and the electron sensing device. The wires loop a vertical looping distance above a surface of the electron sensing device, and a portion of the vertical looping distance is configured to be received within the slot of the MCP.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital imaging photodetector with a gas electron multiplier. The digital imaging photodetector comprises a gas electron multiplier detector. The gas electron multiplier detector includes a photoelectric converter for converting incident light into photoelectrons or Compton electrons; a gas electron multiplier (GEM) for receiving the photoelectrons or Compton electrons from the photoelectric converter and multiplying them; and a readout unit for receiving an electrical signal indicating a position where an electron cloud multiplied in the gas electron multiplier arrives on an anode, recognizing coordinates of the electron cloud based on the received signal, and outputting the coordinates of the electron cloud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charged-particle detecting apparatus having a structure which enables adjustment of a potential distribution so as to stably maintain flight loci of charged particles without depending on a change in a voltage-applied state. The charged-particle detecting apparatus comprises a first electrode, an MCP, a second electrode, a third electrode that functions as an anode, and a rear cover arranged in order along a predetermined reference axis. The third electrode is arranged on the opposite side of the MCP with respect to the second electrode, and is electrically connected to an output signal part via a capacitor.