Study of a triode-dynode amplifier for low intensity near-infrared detection with a photodiode

Summary form only given, as follows. This study is motivated by the observation that PIN photodiodes have excellent quantum efficiency for photon detection well into the near-infrared where the quantum efficiency of photocathodes falls below 1%. Coupling the high quantum efficiency of solid state diodes with the low noise, high gain, and fast time response of dynode chain electron multipliers, we hope to produce a design for a near-infrared detector capable of very low signal detection with fast time response (>10 MHz bandwidth) in the near-infrared (/spl sim/1 micron). Such a detector would be useful not only for plasma diagnostics, but also in other areas of optical sensing such as communications. In order to couple electrons into a dynode chain, we are examining triode assemblies based on field emission tips, thermionic cathodes with energy filters, and photoemissive cathodes. The advantages and difficulties associated with each technique will be reported.