Evaluation of the New Generation RCA 8854 Photomultiplier

Characteristics have been measured for the new generation RCA 8854 114 mm-diameter photomultiplier. The first dynode of this photomultiplier has a cesium-activated, gallium-phosphide secondary emitting surface. Some typical photomultiplier characteristics--such as gain, dark current and risetime--are compared with data provided by the manufacturer. Photomultiplier characteristics generally not available from manufacturer were also measured. These include pulse height spectrum and time spectrum of afterpulses. In addition, measurements have been made of the collection and quantum efficiency uniformity and of the single photoelectron time spread for the full photocathode illumination. Measurement techniques and description of measuring systems are given in detail.