A high speed sampling photomultiplier

A sampling approach to low-level optical signal detection is reported and the advantages of sampler based instruments for the analysis of complex, high-harmonic content signals are re-examined for opto-electronic considerations. A sampling head, constructed for high speed sampling and processed for an S-4 photosensitivity is described. The sampling head, adapted to an electron multiplier section, is tested for sequential sampling on HeNe, mode-locked laser pulses showing good resolution and signal to noise ratio. The influence of parameter variation on the sampling function is assessed on the basis of photoelectron ballistics; discussion includes optimum and limiting resolutions which extend into the picosecond regime.