Patent ID: 6642493
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A modular base for a position sensitive photo-multiplier tube (PS-PMT) that can be used by itself and can be coupled to one or more like modular bases to create a matrix of bases thereby providing a user with multiple options in regards to a number of bases to be used in X and Y coordinates within the matrix of bases, each modular base comprising:an X coordinate resistor chain that connects all X coordinate anodes of the PS-PMT; a Y coordinate resistor chain that connects all Y coordinate anodes of the PS-PMT; two X output signal amplifiers for the X coordinate resistor chain, wherein one amplifier is provided at each end of the X coordinate resistor chain; two Y output signal amplifiers for the Y coordinate resistor chain, wherein one amplifier is provided at each end of the Y coordinate resistor chain; four sets of configuration jumpers, wherein one of the four sets of jumpers is associated with each of the output signal amplifiers and the jumpers can be individually configured to either bypass or include the amplifier in an output signal path of a respective resistor chain; circuitry for high voltage biasing that provides power to all dynode stages of the PS-PMT; and, circuitry for dynode signal extraction and amplification that provides fast trigger qualification of signals from the dynode stages of the PS-PMT; wherein, all four output signal amplifiers are used when the base is not attached to another modular base, less than four of the output signal amplifiers are used when the base is connected to one or more other modular bases, and the jumpers are used to electrically connect the X and/or Y resistor chain(s) to X and/or Y resistor chains of the other modular bases.