Why Does Photomultiplier Tube Emit 2 Electrons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the operation of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and the phenomenon of secondary emission. When a single photon strikes an electron in a PMT, it initiates the photoelectric effect, resulting in the emission of one electron. This emitted electron then collides with the tube's plates, leading to the emission of multiple additional electrons through secondary emission. This process is crucial for understanding the amplification mechanism in PMTs.

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  • Understanding of the photoelectric effect
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  • Knowledge of secondary emission principles
  • Basic concepts of electron behavior in electric fields
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Why first photon emits two electrons in a photomultiplier tube? The interaction is one photon with one electron, am i right?
Thanks in advance.
 
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The photoelectric effect is just the first step. That first emitted electron is then slammed into plates which causes several additional electrons to be emitted. (The latter effect is called secondary emission.)
 
Thx Doc Al :)
 

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