STUDIES OF A PARALLEL-PLATE ELECTRON MULTIPLIER

A parallel-plate electron multiplier (PPEM) under the influence of a continuous flow of electrons at the input is analysed theoretically and by measurements. In contrast to the tubular channel electron multiplier the PPEM is equipped with four electrodes and a separate current collector. The four electrodes make it possible to operate the PPEM with multiplication on one of the side walls or both. They also provide the unique possibility of always being able to operate the PPEM at high gain. For some applications it is favourable from an assembly point of view to short-circuit the two back electrodes. The result is less sensitive to variations of gain around the optimum gain setting points.