Resistance Strip Magnetic Electron Multiplier

Abstract

A magnetic electron multiplier which utilizes a strip of semiconductor material rather than a conventional multielement dynode structure is described. Especially suitable for use in demountable vacuum systems, it amplifies and detects the electrons which result from bombardment of the cathode with ions, neutral molecules, photons, etc. Gains over 107, and dark currents lower than 0.1 electron per second referred to the cathode have been obtained. The addition of crossed field gates to rapidly direct the output beam to any one of several output anodes is discussed. Theory of operation and results of experimental measurements are reported.