Photomultiplier and detection systems
First Claim
1. A switchable photomultiplier, wherein said switchable photomultiplier is adapted to be switchable between a detecting state and a non-detecting state, comprising:
- a) A cathode, wherein said cathode is arranged to receive incident radiation;
b) A series of dynodes arranged to amplify a current created at the cathode upon detection of said radiation; and
c) A first dynode of the series of dynodes, said first dynode being operatively closest to the cathode and being at a first potential, wherein the electrical potential of the cathode is switchable between a second potential, below a first potential, when the photomultiplier is in the detecting state and a third potential, above the second potential, when the photomultiplier is in the non-detecting state.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention provides a switchable photomultiplier switchable between a detecting state and a non-detecting state including a cathode upon which incident radiation is arranged to impinge. The photomultiplier also includes a series of dynodes arranged to amplify a current created at the cathode upon detection of photoradiation. The invention also provides a detection system arranged to detect radiation-emitting material in an object. The system includes a detector switchable between a detecting state in which the detector is arranged to detect radiation and a non-detecting state in which the detector is arranged to not detect radiation. The system further includes a controller arranged to control switching of the detector between the states such that the detector is switched to the non-detecting state while an external radiation source is irradiating the object.
205 Citations
25 Claims
-
1. A switchable photomultiplier, wherein said switchable photomultiplier is adapted to be switchable between a detecting state and a non-detecting state, comprising:
-
a) A cathode, wherein said cathode is arranged to receive incident radiation; b) A series of dynodes arranged to amplify a current created at the cathode upon detection of said radiation; and c) A first dynode of the series of dynodes, said first dynode being operatively closest to the cathode and being at a first potential, wherein the electrical potential of the cathode is switchable between a second potential, below a first potential, when the photomultiplier is in the detecting state and a third potential, above the second potential, when the photomultiplier is in the non-detecting state. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification