a b s t r a c tTo satisfy the requirements of the next generation of dark matter detectors based on the dual phase TPC, Hamamatsu, in close collaboration with UCLA, has developed the R11410-10 photomultiplier tube. In this work, we present the detailed tests performed on this device. High QE ( $ 30%) accompanied by a low dark count rate (50 Hz at 0.3 PE) and high gain (1 Â 10 7 ) with good single PE resolution have been observed. A comprehensive screening measurement campaign is ongoing while the manufacturer quotes a radioactivity of 20 mBq/PMT. These characteristics show the R11410-10 to be particularly suitable for the forthcoming zero background liquid xenon detectors.