We prepared a short note on how to build a dynode voltage divider network for inexpensive surplus XP2422/SN photomultiplier tubes. The XP2422/SN PMT is especially suited for gamma-ray spectral analysis when coupled to a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal because of its high pulse-height resolution (PHR). The XP2422/SN is available from Sphere Research in Canada.
In Memoriam – Dr. Akira Tonomura (1942-2012)
We recently learned the sad news that Dr. Akira Tonomura - a truly great experimentalist – passed away on May 2, 2012 during the course of treatment on pancreatic cancer. We have been great admirers of Dr. Tonomura. Our blog’s banner is a cartoon representation of an experimental setup developed by Dr. Tonomura, through which in 1986 he
Using the $79 SainSmart DSO201 Pocket Oscilloscope and GammaGrapher with the PMT/Scintillation Probe
Connects directly to PMT probe shown in the book’s Figure 30 with no need for PMT amplifier! The nice guys at the Yahoo GammaSpectrometry Group developed multichannel analyzer software for the $79 SainSmart DSO201 Pocket-Sized Digital Oscilloscope. The upload of the MCA software to the oscilloscope is really easy (via USB), and it allows the PMT probe shown in
Connecting to Surplus Scionix Miniature Scintillation Probes
Scionix in The Netherlands has taken advantage of the recent development of miniature mesh-type dynode photomultiplier tubes to construct small-diameter scintillation probes. Scionix’s miniature probes incorporate one of those PMTs, a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal, and a built-in dynode voltage divider. Connection to the probe is made through a miniature high-voltage locking coaxial connector. Finding a mating connector is the main
Simple d.i.y. Low-Pass Filter for Interfacing PMT Amplifier to PC Sound Card (Used with Free “Pulse Recorder and Analyser” Software MCA)
Figure 34 in the book shows the schematic diagram for our photomultiplier tube (PMT) signal processing circuit has an analog output that is suitable for use with a sound-card-based multichannel pulse-height analyzer (MCA). However, if you already have a commercial scintillation processor that you would like to use with PRA, then you will somehow need to
Open-Source Handheld Gamma Spectrometer on Yahoo Group GammaSpectrometry
An amateur-use open-source gamma spectrum analyzer is being developed by members of the GeigerCounterEnthusiast (GCE) Yahoo Group. This multichannel analyzer (MCA) is based on the STM32F103VBT6 microcontroller. It displays spectra on a color LCD. To access the design files (and hopefully to participate in the development) you will need to join the GammaSpectrometry Yahoo Group
Matlab Video Frame Integration Program Using VCAPG2 for Single-Photon Double-Slit Interference Experiment
In Chapter 5 of the book we list a short Matlab® program to integrate successive video frames from our diy intensified camera to image double-slit interference patterns obtained by shooting a single photon at a time. The program listed in the book uses Vision for Matlab (VFM). However, this utility is not compatible with all versions
diy PMT Pulse Processor Suitable For Use With “Pulse Recorder and Analyser (PRA)” MCA
Figure 34 in the book shows the schematic diagram for the photomultiplier tube (PMT) signal processing circuit that amplifies the narrow pulses detected by the PMT probe. The discriminator stage removes small pulses produced by thermal noise in the tube. A pulse stretcher outputs pulses that can be heard on a speaker. In addition, the analog
diy Low-Cost, Regulated, Variable, Low-Ripple High-Voltage (2kV) Photomultiplier Tube Power Supply
The book’s Figure 32 shows the schematic diagram for a low-cost, variable-voltage PMT power supply based on a BXA-12579 inverter module that is originally designed as a power supply for cold-cathode fluorescent lamps. This under-$20 module produces 1,500VAC at around 30kHz from a 12VDC input. We are posting this picture to help you build your own power
RCA 6655A PMT Data Sheet
This is the datasheet for the RCA 6655A PMT used in the probe shown in the book’s Figure 30: RCA_6655A_Datasheet This is the datasheet for Hamamatsu’s replacement of the RCA 6655A PMT: Hamamatsu replacement for RCA 6655A R2154-02 Schematic diagrams for the probe are in Figure 29.
Assembly View of diy Variable-Output, High-Performance PMT High-Voltage Power Supply
We are posting this picture to help you construct the variable-output, low-ripple, high-stability, high-voltage power supply described in pages 38-40 of “Exploring Quantum Physics Through Hands-On Projects.” The schematic diagrams for this power supply are in the book’s Figure 31. Output voltage (up to 2 kV) and current (up to 1 mA) are monitored via
Compton Scattering Experiment Using Spectrum Techniques’ Equipment
Spectrum Techniques of Oak Ridge, TN - a top supplier of Exempt Quantity radioisotope sources and nuclear measurement instrumentation – released today our tutorial: “Experiment Note: Exploring Compton Scattering Using the Spectrum Techniques Universal Computer Spectrometer”
MX-10160 Gen III Image Intensifier Tube
This is the surplus Gen III image intensifier tube (an MX-10160 Gen III intensifier tube used in the helmet-mounted AN/AVS-6 “ANVIS” aviation night vision imaging system, which we purchased on eBay®) that we used to build our setup to image interference patterns from our single-photon two-slit setup (book‘s Figure 93). The tube is supplied by
