Devices using resistive channel electron multiplication

The channel electron multiplier consists of a continuous resistive dynode formed on the inner surface of a tube having a large ratio of length to diameter. When a potential of a few kilovolts is applied between the ends of the tube, an electron entering the low potential end will initiate a cascade of secondary electrons from the wall. The number of electrons emerging from the high potential end of the tube may exceed 10⁸. The electron multiplier may be made sensitive to various forms of radiation, including X-rays, ultra-violt photons, and gas ions. The multiplier may be prepared as a single tube, in which case a wide variety of geometries are possible, or in the form of a parallel array containing large numbers of channels. In this latter form area detectors can be made with the capability of two dimensional analysis of radiation. Such arrays can be used for imaging purposes. The performance of experimental models of various forms of channel multiplier are described, and their use in a variety of applications considered.