The Role of Nano-Structured Materials Enabling Miniaturization of Photomultipliers

摘要

The next generation of photomultiplier receivers will be miniaturized for direct surface mount applications. Vacuum photomultiplier technology remains one of the most sensitive techniques for single photon detection with fast response time. In this paper we discuss the major problems confronting and review some of the approaches to miniaturization of photomultiplier technology for compatibility with direct surface mount technology to enable compact, very fast detection of low light level signals. Miniaturization and surface mount enables photomultipliers to become more compatible with fiber coupling enabling well-defined short circuit runs to signal processing circuitry. Miniaturization to a total dynode length ～ 0.1 or 0.01 cm while maintaining acceptable device performance is a challenge that is being met through the use of nano-structured materials in combination with micromachining technologies. The dramatic shortening of the electron trajectories enables response times on the order of 10 ps. Examples of the use of nano-structured materials for a new class of photocathode and active dynode materials are discussed.