PMT in a Nutshell

Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) remain at the heart of some of the most sensitive and demanding scientific measurements in the world. For over 70 years, Hamamatsu has led the field, not only in PMT technology but setting the standard. With the highest global market share*, our PMTs are trusted by research institutions and experimental facilities across the globe, including those behind multiple Nobel Prize-winning discoveries.

 

This page will take you inside the core of PMT technology from fundamental principles to design innovation and explore why PMT detectors remain indispensable in modern scientific research. Whether you are designing a next-gen detection system or evaluating photon detection technologies, the resources here will equip you with technical clarity. 


What You'll Discover

  1. Relevance, Technology Comparison, and Key Components
    A look at what makes PMTs unique and why they remain crucial even as solid-state alternatives emerge.
  2. Photon Counting: Concepts and Advantages
    Understanding the mechanisms behind photon counting, how do photomultiplier tubes work, how it differs from analog detection, and where PMTs truly shine.
  3. Performance Focus: Photocathodes and Transit Time Spread
    A deep dive into two of the most defining characteristics of PMT performance, and how Hamamatsu leads in optimizing them.

Looking Ahead: PMTs in the Age of Silicon

The rise of semiconductor-based detectors like MPPCs (SiPMs) has transformed parts of the photon detection landscape, but the landscape is more complex. In fact, the future of PMTs is evolving alongside these innovations. The combined resources will help you explore how and why PMTs continue to offer unmatched benefits in key applications, and where the frontier lies.

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