Photon detection efficiency of common PMTs

Posted by Michael Giacomelli-2 on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/Photon-detection-efficiency-of-common-PMTs-tp7589391.html

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Hi,

I've seen warnings about confusing the photon detection efficiency
(PDE) of PMTs with the quantum efficiency (QE) of the cathode, but
aside to some references to the effects of electrons lost after the
photocathode I have not seen any PDE numbers for commonly used PMTs
like the H7422, H10770, etc.  Digging through the Hamamatsu datasheets
likewise gives the cathode sensitivity and the anode sensitivity, but
not the exact gain of the device being measured.

Are there any papers out there characterizing PDE of imaging PMTs?
I'm curious exactly how many photons actually contribute to signal in
a PMT-based microscope.

Mike