Nanosecond gated PMT for LIDAR-RADAR applications

Wide dynamic range gating photosensor modules has been design for LIDAR-RADAR applications on base R7400U (active area 8 mm. diameter) R7600U (active area 18x18 mm.) Hamamatsu photomultiplier tubes. The photomultiplier tubes R7400U, series have two kinds of photocathode: low resistance semitransparent multialkali photocathodes and semi transparent bialkali photocathodes with large resistance. Different kinds of photocathodes require different approach to gating circuits design. High-speed pulse gating (gating rise time 10 nsec, setting time 40 nsec for 99%) has been used for enhancing of target contrast at ocean optic application for both kinds: semitransparent bialkali and semitransparent multialkali photocathodes. Wide dynamic range (50 dB of optical power) has been achieved by optimizing of applied to dynodes voltages. Compression up to 30 dB has been used for following output signal digital processing. Hamamatsu photosensitive modules were used in the two system receivers in pulsed LIDAR system. The system was mounted on the bow of the R/V New Horizon and collected data from August 25 thru September 8, 2005 as part of the LOCO field test in Monterey Bay. Approximately 4 million LIDAR profiles were collected during this period. During the field test the profiles were processed to show relative changes in water optical properties and to reveal water column structure in real time.