The Use of Photomultiplier Tubes for Photon Counting

The thermospheric atomic oxygen red line is among the brightest in the auroral spectrum. Previous observations in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, indicated that it may be intrinsically polarized, but a possible contamination by light pollution could not be ruled out. During the winter 2010/2011, the polarization of the red line was measured for the first time at the Polish Hornsund polar base without contamination. Two methods of data analysis are presented to compute the degree of linear polarization (DoLP) and angle of linear polarization (AoLP): one is based on averaging and the other one on filtering. Results are compared and are in qualitative agreement. For solar zenith angles (SZA) larger than 108°(with no contribution from Rayleigh scattering), the DoLP ranges between 2 and 7%. The AoLP is more or less aligned with the direction of the magnetic field line, in agreement with the theoretical predictions of Bommier et al. (2010). However, the AoLP values range between ±20°around this direction, depending on the auroral conditions. Correlations between the polarization parameters and the red line intensity I were considered. The DoLP decreases when I increases, confirming a trend observed during the observations in Longyearbyen. However, for small values of I, DoLP varies within a large range of values, while for large values of I, DoLP is always small. The AoLP also varies with the red line intensity, slightly rotating around the magnetic field line.

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“…According to Foord et al (1969) and to the Hamamatsu technical note, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was estimated during the whole process by:…”

Section: Methods Of Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

The thermospheric auroral red line polarization: confirmation of detection and first quantitative analysis

Lilensten

Barthélemy

Amblard

et al. 2013

J. Space Weather Space Clim.

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“…However, the interest in this topic has dramatically increased since the proposal of quantum cryptography, which is believed to be the most secure way to distribute quantum keys 1, 2. So far, photomultiplier tubes 3 and Si avalanche photo‐diodes 4 are the most widely employed devices to detect single photons. Lately, quantum dots (QDs) have become attractive alternatives since they do not require avalanche multiplication processes to detect single photon.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Single‐photon detection by Si single‐electron FETs

Tabe

Udhiarto

Moraru

et al. 2011

Physica Status Solidi (a)

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We have demonstrated that Si single‐electron SOI‐MOSFETs with multidots channel have attractive new functions such as single‐photon detection. Multidots formed by nanoscale selective oxidation of thin SOI layer have been used for photon detection. Most recently, we have investigated photon detection capabilities of FETs having phosphorus (P)‐doped channel. In such P‐doped FETs, each P donor works as a quantum dot for electrons and single‐electron transport is achieved by tunnelling through donor potentials. Using such P‐doped FETs, single‐photon detection has been demonstrated. Furthermore, in order to directly observe the spatial landscape of even a single‐dopant potential, we have developed low‐temperature‐Kelvin probe force microscopy (LT‐KFM) and succeeded in detecting a single‐dopant potential in the channel region. In this paper, we present results of photon‐induced random telegraph signals in crystalline‐dot‐type and donor‐dot‐type multidot single‐electron SOI‐MOSFETs, and direct observation of a single‐dopant potential by LT‐KFM.

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“…from the photocathode is the same under dark and illuminated conditions and has a well defined statistical form, preferably Poisson (Foord et al, 1969;Oliver & Pike, 1968). This could necessitate the use of alternative more expensive PM tubes.…”

Section: 00mentioning

confidence: 99%

An efficient spectroscopic detection system for cathodoluminescence mode scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

Steyn¹,

Giles²,

Holt³

1976

Journal of Microscopy

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A detection system for analytical cathodoluminescence (CL) mode scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is described. This incorporates a cold stage, an efficient light collector, a monochromator and a photomultiplier and used the photon counting technique. The efficiency of the component subsystems was optimized and calibrated, and the performance of alternative light collecting and monochromating equipment is compared. The operation of the photon counter is discussed. The digital output of the photon counter was fed into a multichannel scaler and thence to a computer. This was used to correct the observed count rate with the calibrated spectral variations in the performance of the detection system. Spectra obtained at both room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperacure and monochromatic and panchromatic SEM micrographs are given as examples illustrating the value of this technique.The factors governing the performance of the system are discussed. The forms of noise in the signal and in the detection system are described and the means for minimizing, avoiding or correcting for them are dealt with. Sources of spurious signals in the SEM are treated.

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The Use of Photomultiplier Tubes for Photon Counting

Cited by 121 publications

References 26 publications

The thermospheric auroral red line polarization: confirmation of detection and first quantitative analysis

The thermospheric auroral red line polarization: confirmation of detection and first quantitative analysis

Single‐photon detection by Si single‐electron FETs

An efficient spectroscopic detection system for cathodoluminescence mode scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

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