Abstract

The effect of gain variation on the integrated output-charge distribution of a photomultiplier tube is investigated experimentally and shown to be a predictable function of the multiplier single-electron response. Standardized or nonstandardized pulses recorded using either capacitive or digital storage are considered. Theoretical values for the moment-generating functions and variances (noise powers) of the charge distributions obtained in these four cases are given, and the role of these various distributions in determining the length of time required to achieve a given accuracy in a light-flux measurement is discussed. The experimental measurements adequately confirm the theoretical predictions. The work includes a critical discussion of the field of theoretical and experimental noise investigations in photomultiplier tubes with regard to their relevance in the present state of technology.

© 1971 Optical Society of America

Noise in the Measurement of Light with Photomultipliers

F. Robben
Appl. Opt. 10(4) 776-796 (1971)

The Use of Photomultiplier Tubes for Photon Counting

R. Foord, R. Jones, C. J. Oliver, and E. R. Pike
Appl. Opt. 8(10) 1975-1989 (1969)

A Comparison of Photon Counting and Current Measuring Techniques in Spectrophotometry of Faint Sources

Robert G. Tull
Appl. Opt. 7(10) 2023-2029 (1968)

Dependence of Signal-to-Noise Ratio on Operating Voltage in Photomultipliers

M. Jonas and Y. Alon
Appl. Opt. 10(11) 2436-2438 (1971)

Direct Measurement of the Quantum Counting Efficiency of RCA C31000E/F Photomultipliers at 6328 Å

R. S. Lakes and S. K. Poultney
Appl. Opt. 10(4) 797-800 (1971)