Broad area cathode contact for a photomultiplier tube

摘要

A photomultiplier tube comprises an evacuated envelope having a generally cylindrical sidewall with a faceplate closing one end of the envelope. A conductive coating is disposed on a portion of the sidewall adjacent to the faceplate. A photocathode is formed on the faceplate and on a portion of the conductive coating. An electron multiplier assembly including a plurality of electrodes is spaced from the photocathode. A plurality of leads extend from the electrodes to a plurality of terminals in a base attached to the tube. A resilient electrical contact member is connected to a terminal in the base for applying a potential to the photocathode. The electrical contact member has a pair of support tabs at the opposite ends of the member. The tabs are affixed to the multiplier assembly so that the contact member assumes a substantially arcuate shape which contacts and conforms to a large area of the conductive coating on the sidewall of the envelope.