Discrete Dynode Detector with Dynamic Gain Control

摘要

A novel electron multiplier that regulates in real time the gain of downstream dynodes as the instrument receives input signals is introduced. In particular, the methods, electron multiplier structures, and coupled control circuits of the present invention enable a resultant on the fly control signal to be generated upon receiving a predetermined threshold detection signal so as to enable the voltage regulation of one or more downstream dynodes near the output of the device. Accordingly, such a novel design, as presented herein, prevents the dynodes near the output of the instrument from being exposed to deleterious current pulses that can accelerate the aging process of the dynode structures that are essential to the device.

主权项

1. A particle detector, comprising:
a cathode that emits electrons in response to receiving incident particles that represent one or more input signals; a plurality of cascaded dynodes configured to provide a sensed current at an anode that is related to the number of received incident particles; an interposed dynode arranged as part of said plurality of cascaded dynodes to direct received electrons to the remainder of said plurality of cascaded dynodes for further amplification and to further provide a detection current indicative of the magnitude of said one or more input signals; and a control circuit coupled to one or more downstream dynodes within said plurality of cascade dynodes and configured to receive said detection current so as to regulate the voltage gain to said one or more downstream dynodes upon said detection current meeting a predetermined current threshold.