In radiation measurements, scintillation counters which are combinations of scintillators and photomultiplier tubes are used as most common and useful devices in detecting X-, alpha-, beta-, gamma-rays and other high energy charged particles. A scintillator emits flashes of light in response to input radiations and a photomultiplier tube coupled to a scintillator detects these scintillation lights in a precise way.
In high energy physics experiments, one of important apparatuses is a Cherenkov counter in which photomultiplier tubes detect Cherenkov radiations emitted by high energy charged particles passing through a dielectric material.
To detect radiations accurately, photomultiplier tubes may be required to have high detecting efficiency (QE & energy resolution), wide dynamic range (pulse linearity), good time resolution (T.T.S.), high stablility & reliability, and to be operatable in high magnetic field environment or at high temperature condition. In addition, a ruggedized construction is required according to circumstances. On the other hand, several kinds of position sensitive photomultiplier tubes have been developed and are used in these measurements.
This catalog provides a quick reference for Hamamatsu photomultiplier tubes, especially designed or selected for scintillation counters and Cherenkov radiation detectors, and includes most of types currently available ranging in size from 3/8" through 20" in diameter. It should be noted that this catalog is just a starting point in describing Hamamatsu product line since new types are continuously under-development.