Photodetection array anode and multi-anode photomultiplier tube

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a kind of photoelectric detection anode and multi-anode photomultiplier, it is related to photoelectric detection technical field.The photoelectric detection anode includes position detection layer and time detection layer, wherein: the position detection layer includes metal plate, the metal plate includes multiple regions, each region in the multiple regions is equipped with metal needle, and the metal needle of each region is connected with first signal reading device respectively, for obtaining position information by the charge amount of signal acquisition;The time detection layer includes at least one metal wire, and the end of the at least one metal wire is connected with second signal reading device, for obtaining time information by the waveform data of signal acquisition.The present disclosure realizes that the position information of photomultiplier position detection layer and the time information of time detection layer can be read out simultaneously and independently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of photoelectric detection technology, and in particular to a photoelectric detection array anode and a multi-anode photomultiplier tube. Background Art

[0002] A photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT) is a vacuum detector that converts extremely weak light signals into electrical signals. A micro-channel plate photo-multiplier tube (MCP-PMT) uses a microchannel plate as its electron multiplication system. Compared to traditional electrostatically focused dynode-based PMTs, this structure significantly shortens the distance electrons travel from the photocathode to the anode. Combined with the electron multiplication properties of the microchannel plate, this PMT possesses many unique properties, particularly high-precision position and time resolution.

[0003] In the related art, data readout of photomultiplier tubes generally uses dedicated electronics or composite electronics to read out signals. Among them, dedicated electronics can directly use charge testing equipment or instruments to test the charge of a certain analog signal, such as a charge to digital converter (Q to Digital Converter, QDC). It can also use time testing equipment or instruments to test the time, such as a time to digital converter (TDC), but the tests of the two parameters of charge and time cannot be performed at the same time; waveform acquisition equipment or instruments can also be used to obtain signal waveforms, such as a flash analog to digital converter (FADC) to obtain the charge information and time information of the signal by analyzing the signal waveform. However, all of the above can only be tested once and are dedicated. Composite electronics uses active or passive fan-in fan-out units to divide a certain signal into multiple channels, realizing simultaneous and synchronous testing of charge and time information. However, such testing carries risks. For fast signals of tens of picoseconds (ps), once fan-in and fan-out processing is performed, their timing information immediately becomes very slow, and the fast timing characteristics carried by the original signal are lost. In other words, very fast fan-in and fan-out electronics are difficult to obtain or develop, and the cost is high.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a photoelectric detection anode and a multi-anode photomultiplier tube, which can save electronic channels and costs to a certain extent while realizing the simultaneous readout of position information and time information.

[0006] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by practice of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a photoelectric detection anode, comprising a position detection layer and a time detection layer, wherein: the position detection layer comprises a metal plate, the metal plate comprises a plurality of regions, each of the plurality of regions is provided with a metal needle, the metal needles in each region are respectively connected to a first signal readout device, for acquiring position information by collecting the charge amount of a signal; the time detection layer comprises at least one metal wire, the end of the at least one metal wire is connected to a second signal readout device, for acquiring time information by collecting waveform data of the signal.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the time detection layer includes a plurality of metal wires, the plurality of metal wires are arranged in parallel, and an end portion of each of the plurality of metal wires is respectively connected to the second signal readout device.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, one end of the at least one metal wire is connected to the second signal reading device.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the areas of the multiple regions of the metal plate are equal, and / or the shapes of the multiple regions of the metal plate are the same.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the photodetection anode further includes a control device for controlling only the first signal readout device to obtain position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal, or only controlling the second signal readout device to obtain time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal, or simultaneously controlling the first signal readout device and the second signal readout device to obtain position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal and to obtain time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal, respectively.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a multi-anode photomultiplier tube is provided, comprising an entrance window for transmitting photons to be detected; a photocathode for converting photons incident through the entrance window into photoelectrons through the photoelectric effect and emitting the photons; a microchannel structure for multiplying the photoelectrons emitted by the photocathode and emitting an amplified electron stream; a photodetection anode as described above for detecting the electron stream emitted by the microchannel structure; and a vacuum container for accommodating the photocathode, the microchannel structure, and the photodetection anode, the entrance window being disposed on the vacuum container.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vacuum container is a sealed metal shell; the multi-anode photomultiplier tube further includes an anode signal output connector, and the sealed metal shell, the photodetection anode and the anode output connector have a coaxial structure.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sealed metal shell is grounded.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the multi-anode photomultiplier tube further includes a voltage divider connected to the photocathode, the microchannel structure, and the photodetection anode, respectively, for providing an operating voltage for each electrode of the multi-anode photomultiplier tube.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance between the position of the time detection layer and the micro-channel structure is smaller than the distance between the position of the position detection layer and the micro-channel structure.

[0017] The multi-anode photomultiplier tube provided by the embodiments of the present disclosure realizes simultaneous independent reading of position information and time information by providing a position detection layer of a metal plate including metal needles respectively connected to various areas of a first signal reading device and a time detection layer including a metal wire having at least one end connected to a second signal reading device, thereby saving electronic channels and costs.

[0018] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 The figure is a schematic diagram of an anode structure of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 according to Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall anode structure of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube.

[0022] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a connection structure of a photodetection anode according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 according to Figures 1 to 3 A schematic diagram of a photodetection anode with a connection structure installed is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 FIG1 is a schematic diagram of an anode structure of another multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube with a readout structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 7 according to Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the appearance of a photoelectric detection anode is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 according to Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of another multi-anode photomultiplier tube is shown.

[0028] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of a voltage divider is shown as an example.

[0029] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of another voltage divider is shown as an example.

[0030] Figure 11 is a principle diagram of a voltage divider according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 12 according to Figure 8 A connection diagram of a high-voltage connector is shown.

[0032] Figure 13 according to Figure 8 A connection diagram of another high-voltage connector is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Identical reference numerals in the figures indicate identical or similar parts, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0034] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, many specific details are provided to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical solutions of the present disclosure may be practiced while omitting one or more of the specific details, or other methods, devices, steps, etc. may be adopted. In other cases, well-known structures, methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of this disclosure, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined. The symbol " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the preceding and following objects.

[0036] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified or limited, terms such as "connected" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can mean electrically connected or capable of mutual communication; they can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this disclosure based on specific circumstances.

[0037] The multi-anode photomultiplier tube provided herein can be a multi-anode ultra-fast time response microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (FPMT), which can be used in fields such as high-energy physics, medical devices, laser technology, aerospace, astronomy, geodesy, and orbital dynamics. The FPMT is a vacuum photodetector device consisting of an incident window, a photocathode surface, a microchannel plate (MCP), and an anode. Upon incident photons, photoelectrons are emitted from the photocathode surface. The photoelectrons then enter the MCP capillary tube, collide with its inner wall, and are repeatedly multiplied before outputting a signal through the anode.

[0038] A microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT) uses a microchannel plate as its electron multiplication system. Compared to traditional electrostatically focused dynode-based PMTs, this structure significantly shortens the distance electrons travel from the photocathode to the anode. Combined with the electron multiplication properties of the microchannel plate, this PMT possesses many unique properties, particularly high-precision position resolution and time resolution.

[0039] Microchannel plate-based photomultiplier tubes can be divided into two types: small-area close-focusing type (generally flat-plate FPMT) and large-area electrostatic focusing type (generally spherical or ellipsoidal, Large microchannel plate PMT, abbreviated as LPMT).

[0040] Since the large-area electrostatic focusing MCP-PMT (LPMT) prefers high collection efficiency and high detection efficiency, special adjustments have been made in its structural design, voltage division ratio, etc., resulting in its not outstanding time performance. The transit time distribution (TTS) is about tens of nanoseconds, which is not suitable for fast time response and high time resolution.

[0041] The small-area close-focus FPMT has the characteristics of fast time response, strong anti-interference ability, small size and light weight. It is particularly suitable for the detection of fast and extremely weak optical signals. Its time characteristic TTS can reach tens of picoseconds.

[0042] Currently, only a handful of companies and research institutes worldwide have developed this product, notably Hamamatsu in Japan, Photonis in France, Photek in the UK, the Russian Institute of Nuclear Physics, and the Argonne National Laboratory in the United States. However, due to the advantages of FPMT's temporal characteristics, its application in various fields is increasing, including high-energy physics, medical devices, laser technology, aerospace, astronomy, geodesy, and orbital dynamics. Several domestic research institutes have conducted related research, but their technology is backward, resulting in poor product performance and no mature products to compete internationally.

[0043] Currently, most close-coupled photomultiplier tubes (FPMTs) use an external anode-connected signal cable or other direct anode structure. When a photon passes through the window glass and strikes the photocathode, it is converted into a single photoelectron through the photoelectric effect (which has conversion efficiency). The converted photoelectron is then accelerated by a focused electric field onto the microchannel plate (MCP). (Due to the close-coupled structure, the photoelectron's flight path is short, resulting in minimal variation in the flight path from the photocathode to the MCP, further explaining the low signal timing jitter.) Because each channel of the MCP is coated with secondary electron emission material, the photoelectron undergoes multiple secondary electron emissions within the microchannel, achieving multiplication and amplification. The amplified electron stream strikes the anode, resulting in a charge pulse at the anode. To develop a position-sensitive FPMT, the FPMT's array anode structure must be redesigned so that the signal output from a single anode in the array reflects the specific location where the electron, after multiplication by the MCP, is collected by the electrostatic field, thereby obtaining corresponding position information.

[0044] Different anode structures have different signal rise times. The rise time reflects the time response of the photomultiplier tube, and the rise time is inversely proportional to the signal bandwidth. The smaller the rise time, the larger the bandwidth, as shown in the following formula:

[0045]

[0046] Where BW is the bandwidth in GHz, and RT is the rise time in nanoseconds (ns).

[0047] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an anode structure of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the photodetection anode 10 may include a position detection layer 102 and a time detection layer 104, wherein the position detection layer 102 includes a metal plate 106, the metal plate 106 includes a plurality of regions 1022, each of the plurality of regions 1022 is provided with a metal needle 1024, and the metal needles 1024 of each region 1022 are respectively connected to a first signal readout device (not shown in the figure) for acquiring position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal; the time detection layer 104 includes at least one metal wire 1042, and the end 10422 of the at least one metal wire 1042 is connected to a second signal readout device (not shown in the figure) for acquiring time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal.

[0048] In some embodiments, as Figure 1 As shown, the overall frame of the photodetection anode 10 can be square, and the metal plate 106 can be a square metal flat plate. The square metal flat plate is divided into multiple areas 1022 to lead out metal needles 1024 for reading to obtain position information and wire 104 time reading, where each area 1022 can also be square.

[0049] In other embodiments, Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of another anode structure of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 As shown, the overall frame of the photodetection anode 50 can also be circular, similar to Figure 1 The metal plate 506 of the position detection layer 502 can also be a circular metal plate, which is divided into multiple areas 5022 to lead out metal needles 5024 to read out the position information and the time reading of the wire 504, wherein each area 5022 can also be circular. Figure 5 The description is made by taking the square shape of the photoelectric detection anode as an example, but the shape of the overall frame can be designed into various shapes according to actual needs, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0050] In some embodiments, the areas of the multiple regions of the metal plate are equal, and / or the shapes of the multiple regions of the metal plate are the same.

[0051] In some embodiments, the specific dimensions of the multi-anode FPMT structure can be designed by calculating its characteristic impedance. Calculating and designing the characteristic impedance can take into account many factors. Figure 2 according to Figure 1 The overall schematic diagram of the anode structure of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube is shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, the left picture is Figure 1 On the back of the anode structure, metal needles 1024 are drawn out from the center of each area 1022 of the metal plate 106. Figure 1 The front side of the anode structure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 For example, when calculating the characteristic impedance of multiple anodes, the parameters that can be considered for the impedance matching of the anode metal needle are:

[0052] ①The diameter r of the anode metal needle;

[0053] ② Anode metal needle spacing D;

[0054] ③ Gap between adjacent areas d;

[0055] ④The length of the anode metal needle L;

[0056] ⑤The material of the anode metal needle;

[0057] ⑥ The rise time Tr of the anode metal needle transmitting signal, etc.

[0058] In addition to considering impedance matching, the manufacturing process level must also be comprehensively considered. In some embodiments, for example, the multi-anode side length is on the order of tens of millimeters, and under this size structure, a 4*4 array or an 8*8 array can be manufactured. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Taking the 4*4 array multi-anode FPMT as an example, the metal plate 106 can be a square copper sheet of a certain size, with 16 small square copper sheets as 16 areas 1022. The gap d between the small square copper sheets can be 0.35mm, 0.4mm, 0.45mm, etc., and each small square copper sheet is provided with an anode metal needle 1024. The anode metal needle 1024 can be connected to the metal sheet through the connecting structure 30 (refer to FIG. Figure 3 ) outputs the signal to the outside. 8*8 array is similar.

[0059] In some embodiments, for example, the photodetection anode can be designed as a microarray structure, and the gaps between the micro-squares are also extremely narrow, thereby improving the spatial (position) resolution of the PMT; since the width of the micro-squares is relatively narrow, the number of channels is extremely large, and some readout circuit designs can be subsequently adopted, such as DPC and SCDC readout circuits, to simplify the number of channels and achieve position resolution.

[0060] In some embodiments, Figure 1The time detection layer 104 shown may include a plurality of metal wires 1042 , which may be thin wires. The plurality of metal wires 1042 are arranged in parallel, and an end portion 10422 of each metal wire 1042 in the plurality of metal wires 1042 is respectively connected to the second signal readout device.

[0061] In some embodiments, Figure 1 One end 10422 of the at least one metal wire is connected to the second signal reading device.

[0062] In some embodiments, the position detection layer 102 and the time detection layer 104 are two layers with relative positions, and the distance between the position of the time detection layer 104 and the micro-channel structure 604 can be smaller than the distance between the position detection layer 102 and the micro-channel structure 604. Figure 6 In the arrangement of the multi-anode photomultiplier tube, the time detection layer 104 can be the top layer of the photodetection anode 10, and the position detection layer 102 can be the bottom layer of the photodetection anode 10. This disclosure uses this example for illustration, but is not limited to this. For example, if the multi-anode photomultiplier tube is arranged horizontally, the position detection layer 102 and the time detection layer 104 are positioned in a left-right relationship.

[0063] In some embodiments, the photodetection anode may further include a control device (not shown) configured to control only the first signal readout device to acquire position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal, or only the second signal readout device to acquire time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal, or to simultaneously control the first signal readout device and the second signal readout device to acquire position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal and time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal, respectively. In other words, it is possible to select only position information, only time information, or both position information and time information.

[0064] The photoelectric detection array anode provided in the embodiment of the present disclosure is designed with a two-layer structure, wherein the bottom layer is a metal flat plate structure, on which a metal needle is provided to read the charge to obtain position information, and the top layer is arranged with multiple parallel metal wires, each of which is connected with composite electronics to obtain time information through the collected electrons. It can realize the simultaneous independent reading of position information and time information, and can control the time readout cost while improving the accuracy of position resolution.

[0065] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a connection structure of a photodetection anode according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, in the connection structure 30, the hollow portion with a diameter of r' and a length of L' is used to accommodate the metal needle of the photodetection anode, which is connected to the first signal readout device through a lead as an interface.

[0066] In some embodiments, when selecting an existing connection structure, the selection can be made based on size, frequency range, etc. Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the outer diameter D' of the connection structure can be selected to be suitable for the side length of the area 1022 on the metal plate 106, for example, D' can be 0.55mm, or 0.6mm, or 0.65mm, etc. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 according to Figures 1 to 3 A schematic diagram of a photodetection anode with a connection structure is shown. Each connection structure 30 is tightly connected to the metal pin 1024 and does not extend beyond the bounds of region 1022. In theory, a wider frequency range is better for the connector, and high bandwidth also means faster rise time (the two are inversely proportional). However, higher bandwidth increases crosstalk between multiple anode signals, which directly affects FPMT signal quality. During design, the relationship between crosstalk and signal bandwidth is comprehensively considered to optimize while ensuring signal integrity.

[0067] In some embodiments, the connection structure 30 may be an MCX interface. On the one hand, the MCX interface has a suitable size and can be directly and tightly connected to the anode pin; on the other hand, the frequency range of the MCX connector is also relatively reasonable and can meet the requirement of fast rise time.

[0068] In other embodiments, the connection structure 30 may also be read out using various standard or special-shaped interfaces such as LEMO and SMA.

[0069] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube with a readout structure according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, the multi-anode photomultiplier tube may include an incident window 601 , a photocathode 602 , microchannel structures 603 and 604 , a photodetection anode 10 and a vacuum container 605 .

[0070] The incident window 601 can be used to transmit photons to be detected.

[0071] The photocathode 602 may be configured to convert photons incident through the incident window into photoelectrons through a photoelectric effect and emit the photoelectrons.

[0072] The microchannel structures 603 and 604 are used to multiply the photoelectrons emitted by the photocathode and emit an amplified electron flow. The microchannel structure 603 and the microchannel structure 604 can be two microchannel plates respectively.

[0073] The photodetection anode 10 can be used to detect the electron flow emitted from the microchannel structure.

[0074] The vacuum container 605 can be used to accommodate the photocathode 602 , the microchannel structures 603 and 604 , and the photodetection anode 10 . The incident window 601 is provided on the vacuum container 605 .

[0075] In some embodiments, the vacuum container 605 may be a sealed metal shell, which may be grounded.

[0076] In some embodiments, the multi-anode photomultiplier tube may further include an anode signal output connector (i.e., a connection structure 30). The sealed metal shell, the photodetection anode, and the anode output connector have a coaxial structure. The external sealed metal tube vacuum container 605 and the photodetection anode 10 provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure form a coaxial output structure connection structure 30. The vacuum container 605 serves as the ground for the coaxial output connection structure 30, and the photodetection anode 10 serves as the center conductor of the coaxial structure connection structure 30. Through structural design and calculation, its characteristic impedance is 50Ω, which facilitates connection with other coaxial cables or electronic devices and achieves impedance matching.

[0077] In some embodiments, the multi-anode photomultiplier tube may further include a voltage divider connected to the photocathode, the microchannel structure, and the photodetection anode, respectively, for providing a working voltage for each electrode of the multi-anode photomultiplier tube. Figure 6 For example, the voltage divider can be set outside the vacuum container ( Figure 6 (not shown), the photocathode 602, the microchannel structures 603 and 604, and the photodetection anode 10 are connected to an external voltage divider. The whole adopts a close-fitting structure. The voltage is provided to the FPMT through the external voltage divider, thereby applying an internal electric field, causing the internal electrons to fly in a certain direction. The specific implementation of the voltage divider can be referred to Figure 11 .

[0078] In other embodiments, the voltage divider can also be arranged inside the vacuum container. For specific implementation, please refer to Figures 8 to 13 .

[0079] Figure 7 according to Figure 6 Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the appearance of a photoelectric detection anode. Figure 7As shown, the incident window 601 is set on the top of the vacuum container 605 of the photodetection anode. The anode readout structure, i.e., the connection structure 30, uses a vacuum seal. For example, the connection structure 30 has a length of 5-6 mm and passes through the ceramic shell 702. The material of the ceramic shell 702 can be, for example, 95 ceramic, and the thickness of the ceramic can be 1 mm. The vacuum degree of the vacuum container 605 can be, for example, 7E-7 Pa, and the leakage rate is less than 1.0E-12 Pa·m3 / s. The sealing surface is a flat surface. The side of the photodetection anode 10 where the copper sheet is provided (i.e., Figure 1 、 Figure 5 The side shown) is facing the vacuum.

[0080] Figure 8 according to Figure 6 Figure 2 shows another schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-anode photomultiplier tube. Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 and Figure 6 The only difference is that a voltage divider 80 is added. The voltage divider 80 can be set at the rear end of the anode photomultiplier tube and can be wrapped with a metal shielding shell to separate it from the photodetection anode 10. The metal needle 1024 of the photodetection anode 10 passes through the voltage divider without contacting it.

[0081] In some embodiments, the voltage divider may be designed as a hollow structure. Figure 9 and Figure 10 Schematic diagrams of a voltage divider are shown as examples. Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 The voltage divider 802 is designed as a hollow square piece. Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 The voltage divider 804 is designed as a hollow circular ring. The shape of the voltage divider can be designed according to the overall shape of the multi-anode photomultiplier tube, which is not limited by the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a voltage divider according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 As shown, the working principle of the voltage divider can be to connect the K end of the voltage divider through the electrode of the photocathode 602, and use a high-voltage chassis to provide negative high voltage; the input electrode of the microchannel structure 603 is connected to M1, and the voltage is applied to the upper surface of the microchannel structure 603; the output electrode of the microchannel structure 604 is connected to M2, and the voltage is applied to the lower surface of the microchannel structure 604; a resistor of appropriate resistance is used between K-M1-M2-GND to divide the high voltage, and the voltage is applied to each electrode.

[0083] During normal operation of the FPMT, external photons strike the photocathode, generating photoelectrons through the photoelectric effect. These photoelectrons, emitted from the photocathode, enter the MCP capillary tube, collide with its inner wall, and are repeatedly multiplied before being output through the anode. The voltage divider circuit design in this embodiment employs a negative high voltage applied to the cathode, while the anode directly outputs the signal. A metal sleeve is also designed for external applications.

[0084] In some embodiments, the negative high voltage of the photocathode can be applied using a high voltage connector. Figure 12 according to Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a high voltage connector is shown. Figure 12 As shown, the voltage divider 80 is connected to the external high-voltage connector 120 through a lead and contacts the vacuum container 605. The metal shielding vacuum container 605 serves as the ground of the high-voltage connector. Similar to the signal output connector, it uses a coaxial output to provide the FPMT input voltage.

[0085] In some embodiments, Figure 13 according to Figure 8 shows a connection diagram of another high voltage connector, such as Figure 13 As shown, the voltage divider 80 is directly connected to the high-voltage cable 132 , and the other end of the high-voltage cable 132 uses a high-voltage connector 130 , so that the high-voltage connector 130 can be directly connected to a high-voltage power supply.

[0086] In some embodiments, the FPMT's metal shielding shell (vacuum container) not only shields against external electromagnetic interference but also serves as the FPMT's ground potential, facilitating the formation of a voltage loop. This metal package design is suitable for future mass production, offers high precision and reliability, is flexible in fabrication, and facilitates heat dissipation and electromagnetic shielding, enabling the PMT to obtain superior signals.

[0087] In some embodiments, if the metal sleeve uses a low-density, high-performance metal composite material, it is very suitable for use in the aerospace field.

[0088] The anode of the photomultiplier tube in the embodiment of the present disclosure adopts a coaxial output design, which effectively suppresses interference from external electromagnetic signals and ground wires and reduces interference with other circuits; the characteristic impedance of the coaxial connector is designed to be 50 ohms, which facilitates impedance matching with other external devices, and there is no need to use other methods to perform impedance matching operations.

[0089] In the disclosed embodiments, a specially designed voltage divider is used to provide operating voltage to each electrode of the photomultiplier tube. This dedicated voltage divider not only has the advantages of fast signal response time and output linearity, but also can eliminate environmental electromagnetic interference and noise through active shielding, and also facilitates the installation and commissioning of this type of FPMT in production.

[0090] While the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been specifically illustrated and described above, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed structures, configurations, or implementations described herein; rather, the present disclosure is intended to encompass various modifications and equivalent configurations within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A photoelectric detection anode, characterized in that: It includes the location detection layer and the time detection layer, where: The position detection layer includes a metal plate, the metal plate includes a plurality of areas, each of the plurality of areas is provided with a metal needle, and the metal needles in each area are respectively connected to a first signal reading device for acquiring position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal; The time detection layer includes at least one metal wire, the end of the at least one metal wire is connected to a second signal reading device for acquiring time information by collecting waveform data of the signal, wherein the time detection layer and the position detection layer are two layers with relative positions.

2. The photodetection anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: The time detection layer includes a plurality of metal wires, which are arranged in parallel. Ends of the metal wires are respectively connected to the second signal readout device.

3. The photodetection anode according to claim 1, wherein: One end of the at least one metal wire is connected to the second signal reading device.

4. The photodetection anode according to claim 1, wherein: The areas of the plurality of regions of the metal plate are equal, and / or the shapes of the plurality of regions of the metal plate are the same.

5. The photodetection anode according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a control device for controlling only the first signal reading device to obtain position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal, or only controlling the second signal reading device to obtain time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal, or simultaneously controlling the first signal reading device and the second signal reading device to obtain position information by collecting the charge amount of the signal and to obtain time information by collecting the waveform data of the signal respectively.

6. A multi-anode photomultiplier tube, characterized in that: include: An entrance window, used to transmit the photons to be detected; a photocathode, for converting photons incident through the incident window into photoelectrons through a photoelectric effect and emitting the photoelectrons; A microchannel structure for multiplying the photoelectrons emitted by the photocathode to emit an amplified electron flow; The photodetection anode according to any one of claims 1 to 5, used to detect the electron flow emitted from the microchannel structure; and A vacuum container is provided for accommodating the photocathode, the microchannel structure and the photodetection anode, wherein the incident window is provided on the vacuum container.

7. The multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to claim 6, characterized in that: The vacuum container is a sealed metal shell; The multi-anode photomultiplier tube further includes an anode signal output connector, and the sealed metal shell, the photodetection anode and the anode signal output connector have a coaxial structure.

8. The multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sealed metal shell is grounded.

9. The multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes a voltage divider connected to the photocathode, the microchannel structure, and the photodetection anode respectively, for providing a working voltage for each electrode of the multi-anode photomultiplier tube.

10. The multi-anode photomultiplier tube according to claim 6, characterized in that: The distance between the position of the time detection layer and the micro-channel structure is smaller than the distance between the position detection layer and the micro-channel structure.

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