JP6831884B1 - Electron tube unit and electron tube socket - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electron tube unit and an electron tube socket capable of stably guiding correction light to a photoelectric surface.
SOLUTION: A photoelectron multiplying tube unit 1 accommodates a photoelectric surface 21 that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident and an anode 24 that generates a signal based on photoelectrons in an internal space S of a valve 12. The magnification tube 11 includes a correction light source unit 42 having a light source 44 for outputting the correction light L to the optoelectronic magnification tube 11, and the valve 12 has a light incident window portion 13 located on the photoelectric surface 21 side and an anode. The signal output unit 14 located on the 24 side and the side wall portion 15 connecting the light incident window unit 13 and the signal output unit 14 are provided, and the correction light source unit 42 is closer to the signal output unit 14 than the light incident window unit 13. The correction light L from the correction light source unit 42 is guided to the photoelectric surface 21 by a light guide path 43 provided in a region outside the internal space S.
[Selection diagram] Fig. 6

Description

The present disclosure relates to an electron tube unit and a socket for an electron tube.

In an electron tube provided with a photocathode (photomultiplier tube, phototube, HPD (Hybrid Photo-Detector), etc.), sensitivity fluctuation (sensitivity drift) may occur due to various factors. Until now, sensitivity drift has often been dealt with mainly by signal processing in a circuit in which a signal output from the anode is input, and complicated signal processing may be required.

On the other hand, in the detector for measuring ionized radiation described in Patent Document 1, a correction light source is provided in the socket of the photomultiplier tube. In this conventional detector, the correction light output from the correction light source is guided to the photoelectric surface by passing through the internal space of the photomultiplier tube. Then, the sensitivity of the photomultiplier tube is stabilized by using the light source-induced pulse output from the photomultiplier tube by detecting the correction light.

Japanese Patent No. 4843036

In the detector described in Patent Document 1 described above, as shown in FIG. 2 of Patent Document 1, the correction light passes through the internal space of the photomultiplier tube, so that the internal structure (anode or) in the photomultiplier tube is passed. The correction light hits the photomultiplier tube, etc.), and it is considered difficult to stably guide the correction light to the photoelectric surface.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electron tube unit and an electron tube socket capable of stably guiding correction light to a photoelectric surface.

The electron tube unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an electron tube in which a photoelectric surface that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident and an anode that generates a signal based on photoelectrons are housed in an internal space of a housing, and an electron tube. An electron tube unit including a correction light source unit having a light source for outputting the correction light of the above, and the housing includes a light incident window portion located on the photoelectric surface side, a signal output portion located on the anode side, and light. A wall portion connecting the incident window unit and the signal output unit is provided, and the correction light source unit is arranged closer to the signal output unit than the light incident window unit in the housing, and the correction light from the correction light source unit is an internal space. The light is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the area.

In this electron tube unit, the correction light from the correction light source unit is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the internal space. Therefore, in this electron tube unit, it is possible to prevent the correction light from hitting the internal structure (anode or the like) in the electron tube, and the correction light can be stably guided to the photoelectric surface. As a result, the sensitivity drift of the electron tube can be corrected with high accuracy.

At least a part of the wall portion of the housing is a light-transmitting portion that continuously extends from the signal output portion side toward the light incident window portion side, and the light guide path may be composed of the light-transmitting portion. .. In this case, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the electron tube unit by forming at least a part of the wall portion of the housing as a waveguide by a light transmitting portion.

The light transmitting portion may be optically coupled to the light incident window portion. In this case, since the correction light can be guided to the light incident window portion located on the photoelectric surface side, the correction light can be more stably guided to the photoelectric surface.

The light transmitting portion may face the light source of the correction light source portion. In this case, the correction light output from the light source can be guided more stably to the translucent portion.

The entire wall portion of the housing may be a translucent portion. In this case, the correction light is diffused over the entire wall portion, and the correction light can be guided to the photoelectric surface in a sufficiently uniform state.

The correction light source unit may have an optical coupling unit that optically couples the light source and the translucent unit. By adopting the optical coupling unit, the degree of freedom in arranging the light source in the correction light source unit can be increased.

The optical coupling portion may be formed of a light diffusing member and may face the end portion of the wall portion on the signal output portion side. By providing the optical coupling portion with light diffusivity, the corrected light can be guided to the photoelectric surface in a more sufficiently uniform state. Further, since the optical coupling portion faces the end portion of the wall portion on the signal output portion side, the loss of correction light between the optical coupling portion and the translucent portion can be suppressed.

The optical coupling portion is an annular member having a through hole facing the signal output portion, and the inner wall surface of the through hole may be covered with a light-shielding member for holes. In this case, it is possible to prevent the correction light from entering the internal space of the electron tube through the signal output unit.

A pressure dividing portion for dividing the power supplied to the photoelectric surface and the anode may be further provided, and the correction light source portion and the pressure dividing portion may be integrated with the optical coupling portion and may be detachably fitted to the electron tube. In this case, since the configuration related to the driving and control of the electron tube is integrated in the optical coupling portion, the handling of the electron tube unit becomes easy.

The correction light source unit may have a dimming member that attenuates the amount of correction light output from the light source. In this case, it is possible to prevent the correction light having an excessive amount of light from being input to the photoelectric surface. Therefore, the photoelectric surface is protected.

The outside of the light guide path may be covered with a light-shielding member for the light guide path. In this case, it is possible to suppress the noise light from entering the light guide path.

The light-shielding member for the light guide path includes a first light-shielding member that covers the light-shielding path and a second light-shielding member that has a higher light-shielding property than the first light-shielding member and covers the first light-shielding member. It may be composed of. In this case, it is possible to more reliably suppress the noise light from entering the light guide path.

The signal output unit may include a light-shielding member for the signal output unit, which has a light-shielding property lower than that of the first light-shielding member. In this case, it is possible to prevent noise light from entering the internal space of the electron tube through the signal output unit.

The electron tube socket according to one aspect of the present disclosure is detachably attached to an electron tube in which a photoelectric surface that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident and an anode that generates a signal based on photoelectrons are housed in an internal space of a housing. A socket for an electron tube provided with a correction light source unit having a light source that is fitted to and outputs correction light to the electron tube. The electron tube is provided with a pressure dividing unit that divides the power supplied to the photoelectric surface and the anode of the electron tube. In the fitted state, the correction light from the correction light source unit is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the internal space.

In the electron tube equipped with the electron tube socket, the correction light from the correction light source unit is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the internal space. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the correction light from hitting the internal structure (anode or the like) in the electron tube, and the correction light can be stably guided to the photoelectric surface. As a result, the sensitivity drift of the electron tube can be corrected with high accuracy. Further, this socket is detachable from the electron tube. Therefore, the electron tube and the correction light source unit can be easily replaced. Since the voltage dividing part is integrated in the socket, it becomes easy to drive the electron tube.

The correction light source unit may have an optical coupling unit that optically couples with the light source. By adopting the optical coupling unit, the degree of freedom in arranging the light source in the correction light source unit can be increased.

The light coupling portion may be composed of a light diffusing member. By providing the optical coupling portion with light diffusivity, the corrected light can be guided to the photoelectric surface in a more sufficiently uniform state.

The optical coupling portion is an annular member having a through hole, and the inner wall surface of the through hole may be covered with a light-shielding member for the hole. In this case, it is possible to prevent the correction light from entering the electron tube from a location other than the light guide path.

The correction light source unit may have a dimming member that attenuates the amount of correction light output from the light source. In this case, it is possible to prevent the correction light having an excessive amount of light from being input to the photoelectric surface. Therefore, the photoelectric surface is protected.

According to the present disclosure, the correction light can be stably guided to the photoelectric surface.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of a photomultiplier tube unit. It is sectional drawing of the photomultiplier tube unit shown in FIG. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the internal structure of a photomultiplier tube. It is the figure which looked at the socket attached to the photomultiplier tube from the thickness direction. It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows the structure around the light source of the correction light source part. It is a schematic cross-sectional view which shows the light guide path of the correction light. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a correction mechanism. It is an enlarged view of the main part which shows another example of the structure around the light source of the correction light source part. It is a block diagram which shows another example of a correction mechanism. It is a top view which shows the modification of the photomultiplier tube unit. It is a side view of the photomultiplier tube unit shown in FIG.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the electron tube unit and the electron tube socket according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, a photomultiplier tube unit is illustrated as one form of the electron tube unit. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a photomultiplier tube unit. Further, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the photomultiplier tube unit shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the photomultiplier tube unit (electron tube unit) 1 includes a photomultiplier tube (electron tube) 11 in which the multiplying portion 23 is housed in the internal space S of the valve (housing) 12. Is arranged in the case (light-shielding member for waveguide / second light-shielding member) 2.

Case 2 is a magnetic shield case formed of an alloy material which is a magnetic material such as permalloy. The case 2 has a cylindrical shape having a diameter slightly larger than that of the photomultiplier tube 11 so that the photomultiplier tube 11 can be accommodated in its internal space. The surface of the case 2 may be light-shielded. Examples of the light-shielding treatment include coating with a resin or paint that exhibits a black color. The tip end side of the case 2 is open so as to expose the light incident surface 13a (described later) of the light incident window portion 13 of the photomultiplier tube 11, and the base end surface 2a of the case 2 is closed. The photomultiplier tube 11 is housed in the case 2 with the tip position of the bulb 12 (the light incident surface 13a of the light incident window portion 13) aligned with the tip position of the case 2. A signal output connector 3 used for outputting an output signal from the photomultiplier tube 11 and a voltage supply connector 4 used for supplying voltage to the photomultiplier tube 11 are attached to the base end surface 2a of the case 2. ing. These connectors are electrically connected to the photomultiplier tube 11 by a wiring portion (not shown).

A plurality of spacers K are provided between the inner wall surface of the case 2 and the outer wall surface of the photomultiplier tube 11 (more specifically, the light-shielding member 16 described later). The spacer K positions the photomultiplier tube 11 in the case 2 and suppresses rattling. Further, the spacer K also has a light-shielding function of suppressing the progress of noise light in the space between the inner wall surface of the case 2 and the outer wall surface of the photomultiplier tube 11. The noise light may include noise light from the outside of the photomultiplier tube unit 1. Further, the noise light may include noise light based on light emission inside the photomultiplier tube unit 1 (for example, unintended leakage light of the correction light L described later, discharge light emission in various electric elements, etc.).

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the photomultiplier tube 11. The photomultiplier tube 11 is a head-on type photomultiplier tube that allows light to enter from the tip side of the bulb 12. The bulb 12 is a cylindrical glass bulb with both ends closed. The tip end side of the bulb 12 is a light incident window portion 13 on which light is incident. The light incident window portion 13 includes a light incident window W constituting the light incident surface 13a. The base end side of the bulb 12 is a signal output unit 14 which is a take-out side of a signal output from the photomultiplier tube 11 in response to the incident of light. An exhaust pipe T used for vacuum exhausting the internal space of the valve 12 projects from the central portion of the signal output unit 14. Further, from the periphery of the exhaust pipe T in the signal output unit 14, a signal from the anode 24 that generates a signal based on photoelectrons (an output signal by a group of electrons as a result of photomultipliers of photoelectrons in the multiplication unit 23). A plurality of terminals 26 for outputting the power to the outside are projected. The peripheral surface of the bulb 12 is a side wall portion (wall portion) 15 that connects the light incident window portion 13 and the signal output portion 14.

A light-shielding member (light-shielding member for waveguide / first light-shielding member) 16 is provided on the outer surface side of the valve 12 (see FIG. 6). The light-shielding member 16 is composed of, for example, a heat-shrinkable tube having a black color, and is in close contact with the outer surface side of the bulb 12. In the present embodiment, the light-shielding member 16 covers the entire surface of the side wall portion 15 of the bulb 12 except for the light incident window portion 13 (particularly the light incident surface 13a) and the protruding region of the exhaust pipe T and the terminal 26 in the signal output portion 14. It is provided so as to cover the edge portion of the signal output unit 14. The light-shielding member 16 preferably has electrical insulation as well as light-shielding property.

As shown in FIG. 3, a photoelectric surface 21, a focusing electrode 22, a multiplying portion 23, and an anode 24 are arranged in the internal space S of the bulb 12. The photoelectric surface 21 is provided inside the light incident window W. The photoelectric surface 21 is formed of a photoelectron emitting material that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident. Examples of the photoelectron emitting material include Sb (antimony) and alkali metals (Cs: cesium, K: potassium, Rb: rubidium, etc.). The photoelectron emitting material may be Te (tellurium) and the above-mentioned alkali metal. The focusing electrode 22 is arranged at a position facing the light incident window W. An opening 22a is formed in the center of the focusing electrode 22. The opening 22a serves as an entrance to the photomultiplier tube 23 generated on the photoelectric surface 21.

In the example of FIG. 3, the multiplication unit 23 is composed of a plurality of box-and-grid type dynodes 25. These dynodes 25 have a semi-cylindrical surface divided into shapes. The inner surface of the semi-cylindrical surface is a secondary electron surface, one of the divided surfaces is an incident surface of electrons, and the other of the divided surfaces is an electron emitting surface. A mesh (not shown) made of a conductive member is provided on the incident surface. This mesh ensures that electrons are guided deeper into the dynode 25. At the dynode 25 in each stage, secondary electrons are emitted by collision with the secondary electron surface. The secondary electrons are sequentially multiplied by incident on the next-stage dynode 25, and are collected by the mesh-shaped anode 24 arranged in front of the final-stage plate-shaped dynode 25.

In the photomultiplier tube 11, a socket 30 is provided on the signal output unit 14 side of the valve 12 as shown in FIG. The socket 30 has a configuration in which a voltage dividing portion 33, a plurality of through electrodes 32, and a correction light source portion 42 described later are integrated with a socket main body portion 31 that is detachably fitted to the signal output portion 14 side of the bulb 12. doing. The socket 30 is arranged in the space formed between the base end surface 2a and the photomultiplier tube 11 in the case 2.

The socket main body 31 is formed in an annular shape by a light diffusing member having a predetermined light diffusing property. Examples of the light diffusing member include a resin material having a predetermined translucency such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). A through hole 31a that penetrates the socket body 31 in the thickness direction is provided in the central portion of the socket body 31. The through hole 31a accommodates, for example, an exhaust pipe T protruding from the signal output unit 14 of the valve 12. The through hole 31a is sealed with a connecting member 34 for assisting the connection between the photomultiplier tube 11 and the socket 30.

The connecting member 34 is formed of, for example, a resin material having excellent light-shielding and electrical insulating properties such as silicone resin, and is in close contact with the inner wall of the through hole 31a, the signal output unit 14, and the exhaust pipe T, respectively. The connecting member 34 suppresses noise light from passing through the signal output unit 14 through the through hole 31a and entering the internal space S of the photomultiplier tube 11. Further, the connecting member 34 suppresses electric discharge or the like through the through hole 31a.

A plurality of holes 31c are provided at positions facing the plurality of terminals 26 on the one surface 31A which is the surface of the socket body 31 facing the signal output unit 14. The proximal end side (terminal 26 side) of the through electrode 32 electrically connected to the terminal 26 is embedded in the hole 31c. By inserting the terminal 26 into the hole 31c and fitting the terminal 26 with the through electrode 32 in the hole 31c, the terminal 26 and the through electrode 32 are electrically connected, and the socket 30 is a photomultiplier tube. It is detachably fixed to 11. In FIG. 3, for simplification, only one set of the connection state between the through electrode 32 and the terminal 26 in the hole 31c is shown.

A light-shielding member (light-shielding member for holes) 35 is provided on the inner wall surface of the through hole 31a. The light-shielding member 35 is formed of, for example, a silicone resin, and is provided so as to cover the entire inner wall surface of the through hole 31a. Further, a flange 31b is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the socket main body 31. The flange 31b improves workability when attaching and detaching the socket 30 to and from the photomultiplier tube 11, and it is possible to work without touching the through electrodes 32 and the pressure dividing portion 33 around the socket body 31 when attaching and detaching. It becomes. In addition, rattling of the photomultiplier tube 11 in the case 2 can be suppressed.

The pressure dividing portion 33 is a portion that divides the power supplied to the photoelectric surface 21 and the anode 24. The voltage dividing unit 33 is a voltage dividing circuit provided on a substrate with a plurality of resistance elements or the like that divide the voltage supplied from the voltage supply connector 4. More specifically, the voltage dividing unit 33 supplies the divided voltage to the dynode 25 at each stage of the photoelectric surface 21, the anode 24, the focusing electrode 22, and the multiplying unit 23. The tip sides of the plurality of through electrodes 32 project from the other surface 31B on the opposite side of the socket body 31 from the one surface 31A, penetrate the substrate 36, and are electrically connected to the voltage dividing portion 33, respectively. These through electrodes 32 have a pin shape, and as shown in FIG. 4, are arranged in an annular shape with a constant phase angle when viewed from the thickness direction of the socket body 31. The proximal end side of the through electrode 32 is connected to the terminal 26 protruding from the signal output portion 14 of the bulb 12 in the hole portion 31c of the socket body portion 31, and the photoelectric surface 21, the anode 24, and the focusing electrode are connected via the terminal 26. It is electrically connected to the die nodes 25 of each stage of the 22 and the multiplying portion 23.

The photomultiplier tube unit 1 described above is provided with a correction mechanism for correcting the sensitivity drift of the photomultiplier tube 11. Hereinafter, this correction mechanism will be described in detail.

The correction mechanism includes a correction light source unit 42 having a light source 44 that outputs the correction light L (see FIG. 6), and a light guide path 43 that guides the correction light L to the photoelectric surface 21. The correction light source unit 42 is provided on the signal output unit 14 side of the light incident window unit 13 (particularly, the light incident surface 13a). The light source 44 is composed of, for example, an LED which is a semiconductor light emitting element. In arranging the light source 44, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, in the socket main body 31, an empty area in which the through electrode 32 is not arranged is provided in one place of the arrangement area of the through electrodes 32 arranged in a tubular shape. The light source 44 is inserted in the empty area.

As shown in FIG. 5, the empty area is provided with a bottomed recess 45 corresponding to the shape of the light source 44, and the light source 44 has a recess 45 such that the emission end of the correction light L faces the bottom of the recess 45. It is buried inside. At the bottom of the recess 45, a dimming member 46 is arranged so as to face the emission end of the correction light L in the light source 44. The dimming member 46 is formed of, for example, an epoxy resin and is arranged so as to cover the bottom of the recess 45. The dimming member 46 attenuates the amount of correction light L output from the light source 44 to a certain degree.

Further, the light source 44 is fixed to the substrate 36 arranged on the other surface 31B of the socket main body 31. The substrate 36 may be provided with a drive circuit for the light source 44. The substrate 36 covers the other surface 31B except for a through hole through which the light source 44 and the through electrode 32 are inserted. Since the peripheral edge of the substrate 36 reaches the inner wall surface of the case 2, the substrate 36 has an effect of blocking noise light from the voltage dividing portion 33 side.

The light guide path 43 is composed of a light transmitting portion 47 formed in the valve 12. In the present embodiment, the entire bulb 12 is formed of a translucent member, and more specifically, it is a glass bulb. Therefore, the entire bulb 12 is a translucent portion 47 having translucency with respect to the correction light L (that is, the correction light L can be transmitted). Therefore, the entire side wall portion 15 of the bulb 12 is a translucent portion 47 that continuously extends from the signal output portion 14 toward the light incident window portion 13 side. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the signal output unit 14 and the light incident window unit 13 also constitutes the light transmitting unit 47. The correction light L incident from the signal output unit 14 is repeatedly reflected in the signal output unit 14, the side wall portion 15, and the light incident window unit 13 to reach the photoelectric surface 21 provided in the light incident window unit 13. Be transmitted. In other words, the light transmitting portion 47 mainly composed of the side wall portion 15 of the bulb 12 is optically coupled to the light incident window portion 13 and the signal output portion 14. Further, the translucent unit 47 (in particular, the signal output unit 14 in this embodiment) is in a state of facing the light source 44 of the correction light source unit 42.

The socket main body 31 located between the light source 44 and the light guide path 43 is an optical coupling portion 48 that optically couples the light source 44 and the light transmitting portion 47. As described above, the socket main body 31 as the optical coupling portion 48 is composed of a light diffusing member having a constant light diffusing property. The light source 44 and the translucent portion 47 are sufficiently connected by fitting the socket 30 into the photomultiplier tube 11 so that one surface 31A of the socket main body 31 is in surface contact with the signal output portion 14 of the bulb 12 and is in close contact with the signal output portion 14. It can be optically coupled with high light transfer efficiency. In the present embodiment, the socket main body 31 also faces the end of the side wall 15 of the valve 12 on the signal output 14 side. Therefore, the light transmission efficiency between the light source 44 and the translucent portion 47 can be further improved.

As described above, the light source 44 of the correction light source unit 42 is embedded in the socket main body 31, and the plurality of through electrodes 32 and the pressure dividing unit 33 are fixed. That is, in the present embodiment, the correction light source unit 42 and the pressure dividing unit 33 are integrated with the socket body unit 31 which is the optical coupling unit 48, and are detachably fitted to the photomultiplier tube 11 as the socket 30. .. In a state where the socket 30 is fitted to the photomultiplier tube 11, the socket body 31 and the translucent portion 47, which are the optical coupling portions 48, are optically coupled, and the correction light L from the correction light source portion 42 is inside. The light guide path 43 provided in the region outside the space S guides the light guide to the photoelectric surface 21. When the socket 30 is removed from the photomultiplier tube 11, for example, the flange of the socket body 31 is gripped, and the terminal 26 protruding from the signal output 14 of the valve 12 is removed from the socket body 31 (through electrode 32). You can remove it. As a result, the plurality of through electrodes 32, the voltage dividing portion 33, and the correction light source portion 42 can be removed from the photomultiplier tube 11 together with the socket main body portion 31.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a light guide path of the correction light. As shown in FIG. 6, the correction light L output from the light source 44 is attenuated by a certain amount of light by the dimming member 46 arranged at the bottom of the recess 45, and then enters the socket main body 31. The correction light L incident on the socket main body 31 is diffused in the socket main body 31 because the socket main body 31 is composed of a light diffusing member, and is in a uniform state without a specific directivity. , It is incident on the translucent member constituting the valve 12 which is the translucent portion 47. The correction light L incident on the translucent portion 47 repeatedly reflects in the translucent portion 47 and further diffuses to proceed. Specifically, the correction light L is incident on the photoelectric surface 21 via the signal output unit 14, the side wall portion 15, and the light incident window portion 13 as the light transmitting portion 47.

The photomultiplier tube unit 1 is provided with a correction mechanism as well as a light-shielding mechanism for appropriately guiding the correction light L to the photoelectric surface 21. The light-shielding mechanism includes a light-shielding member (light-shielding member for holes) 35 provided on the inner wall surface of the through hole 31a in the socket body 31, and a light-shielding member (light-shielding member for waveguide / light-shielding member /) that covers the outer surface side of the bulb 12. It is composed of a first light-shielding member) 16 and a case (light-shielding member for a waveguide / second light-shielding member) 2 for accommodating a photomultiplier tube 11.

The light-shielding member 35 is provided so as to cover the inner wall surface of the through hole 31a in the socket main body 31. The light-shielding member 35 prevents the correction light L from entering the photomultiplier tube 11 through the signal output unit 14. In the present embodiment, the light-shielding member 35 particularly suppresses the correction light L from passing through the exhaust pipe or the like provided in the signal output unit 14 and entering the internal space S. The light-shielding member 16 is provided so as to cover the edge portion of the signal output portion 14 and the entire surface of the side wall portion 15 of the valve 12. The case 2 has a light-shielding property higher than that of the light-shielding member 16, and is arranged outside the light-shielding member 16 so as to cover the light-shielding member 16. Both the light-shielding member 16 and the case 2 are located outside the light guide path 43, and suppress the noise light from entering the light guide path 43.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the correction mechanism. In the example of FIG. 7, the light source control circuit 101, the I / V conversion unit 102, the microcomputer module 103, and the high-voltage power supply 104 are connected as an external circuit to the photomultiplier tube unit 1. The photomultiplier tube unit 1 may be configured to include all or a part of these. The light source control circuit 101 is a circuit that controls the drive of the LED that is the light source 44. The light source control circuit 101 feedback-controls the light source 44 based on the detection signal from the optical sensor 105 that detects the amount of the correction light L output from the light source 44.

After driving the light source 44, the correction mechanism converts the current output from the photomultiplier tube 11 due to the incident of the correction light L into a voltage by the I / V conversion unit 102, and uses this voltage value as an initial value in the microcomputer module. It is stored in the EEPROM of 103. The timing of driving the light source is controlled by the microcomputer module 103. When correcting the sensitivity drift of the photomultiplier tube 11, after driving the light source 44, the current output from the photomultiplier tube 11 due to the incident of the correction light L is converted into a voltage by the I / V conversion unit 102. Input to the microcomputer module 103. Then, the control voltage of the high-voltage power supply 104 is adjusted so that the voltage value input to the microcomputer module 103 matches the initial value stored in the EEPROM, and the voltage applied to the photomultiplier tube 11 is controlled.

As described above, in the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the correction light L from the correction light source unit 42 is guided to the photoelectric surface 21 by the light guide path 43 provided in the region outside the internal space S. Therefore, in the photomultiplier tube unit 1, it is possible to prevent the correction light L from hitting the internal structure (multiplier portion 23, anode 24, etc.) in the photomultiplier tube 11, and stabilize the correction light L. Can guide light to the photoelectric surface 21. As a result, the sensitivity drift of the photomultiplier tube 11 can be corrected with high accuracy.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, at least a part of the side wall portion 15 of the bulb 12 is a light transmitting portion 47 extending continuously from the signal output portion 14 side toward the light incident window portion 13 side, and is a light guide path 43. Is composed of a translucent portion 47. In this way, by forming at least a part of the side wall portion 15 of the valve 12 as the light guide path 43 by the light transmitting portion 47, it is possible to avoid increasing the size of the photomultiplier tube unit 1.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the entire side wall portion 15 of the bulb 12 is a translucent portion 47. As a result, the light transmitting portion 47 is optically coupled to the light incident window portion 13, and the light transmitting portion 47 is in a state of facing the light source 44 of the correction light source unit 42. As a result, the correction light L can be guided to the photoelectric surface 21 more stably. Further, the correction light L is diffused over the entire side wall portion 15, and the correction light L can be guided to the photoelectric surface 21 in a sufficiently uniform state.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the correction light source unit 42 has an optical coupling unit 48 that optically couples the light source 44 and the translucent unit 47. In the present embodiment, the socket main body 31 constituting the socket 30 detachably fixed to the photomultiplier tube 11 is the optical coupling portion 48, and by adopting the optical coupling portion 48, the light source 44 in the correction light source portion 42 The degree of freedom of placement can be increased.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the optical coupling portion 48 is composed of a light diffusing member and faces the end portion of the side wall portion 15 on the signal output portion 14 side. By providing the optical coupling portion 48 with light diffusivity, the correction light L can be guided to the photoelectric surface 21 in a more sufficiently uniform state. Further, since the optical coupling portion 48 faces the end portion of the side wall portion 15 on the signal output portion 14 side, the loss of the correction light L between the optical coupling portion 48 and the light transmitting portion 47 can be suppressed.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the optical coupling portion 48 is an annular member having a through hole 31a facing the signal output portion 14, and the inner wall surface of the through hole 31a is covered with a light-shielding member 35. As a result, it is possible to prevent the correction light L from entering the internal space S of the photomultiplier tube 11 through the signal output unit 14.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the correction light source unit 42 has a dimming member 46 that attenuates the amount of the correction light L output from the light source 44. As a result, it is possible to prevent the correction light L having an excessive amount of light from being input to the photoelectric surface 21. Therefore, the photoelectric surface 21 is protected.

The photomultiplier tube unit 1 includes a pressure dividing unit 33 that divides the power supplied to the photoelectric surface 21 and the anode 24. The correction light source unit 42 and the pressure dividing unit 33 are integrated with the socket body unit 31 which is the optical coupling unit 48, and are detachably fitted to the photomultiplier tube 11 as the socket 30. According to such a configuration, the configuration related to the drive and control of the photomultiplier tube 11 is integrated with the socket main body 31 which is the optical coupling portion 48, so that the photomultiplier tube unit 1 can be easily handled. .. Further, since the socket 30 can be easily attached to and detached from the photomultiplier tube 11, the photomultiplier tube 11, the correction light source unit 42, and the voltage dividing unit 33 can be easily replaced.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 1, the outside of the light guide path 43 is covered with a light-shielding member 16 and a case 2 having a light-shielding property higher than that of the light-shielding member 16. As a result, it is possible to prevent noise light from entering the light guide path 43. Further, the light-shielding member 16 suppresses the correction light L from being transmitted to the outside of the light-transmitting portion 47. As a result, the transmitted light is suppressed from being affected as noise light, and the amount of the correction light L is maintained at a desired value.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications may be applied. For example, in the above embodiment, the correction light L output from the light source 44 passes through the socket main body 31, but as shown in FIG. 8, the waveguide (optical coupling portion) 50 is inside the socket main body 31. May be arranged, and the correction light L may be guided to the light transmitting portion 47 by the waveguide 50. In this case, the waveguide 50 may be composed of a member having light diffusivity.

Further, in the form of FIG. 8, a light-shielding member (light-shielding member for signal output unit) 17 having a light-shielding property lower than that of the light-shielding member 16 is provided so as to cover the signal output unit 14 of the bulb 12. The light-shielding member 17 is formed of, for example, a silicone resin, and also has electrical insulation. The light-shielding member 17 can prevent noise light from passing through the signal output unit 14 and entering the internal space S of the photomultiplier tube 11.

Since the light-shielding member 17 has a lower light-shielding property than the light-shielding member 16 provided on the outer surface side of the bulb 12, it has a certain degree of light transmission. That is, since the light-shielding member 17 has a dimming effect, it suppresses the input of an excessive amount of correction light L to the photoelectric surface 21. Therefore, the photoelectric surface 21 is protected. In the form of FIG. 8, both the light-shielding member 17 and the dimming member 46 are provided, but even if only one of the light-shielding member 17 and the dimming member 46 is provided depending on the required amount of light. Good. The light-shielding member 17 is not limited to the mode provided as a separate member in the signal output unit 14, and may be formed by mixing the light-shielding material with the material constituting the signal output unit 14.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing another example of the correction mechanism. In the example of FIG. 9, a booster circuit 106 is provided in place of the high-voltage power supply 104, and the booster circuit 106, the light source control circuit 101, the I / V conversion unit 102, and the microcomputer module 103 are housed in the case 2. Arranged and unitized. All or part of these may be configured separately from the photomultiplier tube unit 1. For the booster circuit 106, for example, a CW circuit (Cockcroft-Walton circuit) is used. When correcting the sensitivity drift of the photomultiplier tube 11 with this correction mechanism, after driving the light source 44, the current output from the photomultiplier tube 11 due to the incident of the correction light L is voltageed by the I / V conversion unit 102. Is converted to and input to the microcomputer module 103. Then, the control voltage of the booster circuit 106 is adjusted so that the voltage value input to the microcomputer module 103 matches the initial value stored in the EEPROM, and the voltage applied to the photomultiplier tube 11 is controlled.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a modified example of the photomultiplier tube unit. Further, FIG. 11 is a side view thereof. The photomultiplier tube unit 61 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is configured by accommodating a chip-shaped photomultiplier tube 63 having a flat rectangular parallelepiped shape in a case (light-shielding member for waveguide) 62. In FIG. 10, a substantially half portion of the case 62 is cut out to show the inside.

The case 2 is made of a material having electrical insulation and light-shielding properties, such as ABS resin. The photomultiplier tube 63 and the voltage dividing portion 64 are arranged in two upper and lower stages on one side in the case 2. On the top surface side of the case 2, a through hole 66 as an opening for incident light is provided at a position facing the photoelectric surface 65 of the photomultiplier tube 63. Further, the correction light source unit 67 is arranged on the other side in the case 2. The photomultiplier tube 63 and the voltage dividing section 64 and the light source 74 of the correction light source section are partitioned by a dimming filter (dimming member) 68.

The housing 69 of the photomultiplier tube 63 is configured by, for example, connecting a bottom frame and a side wall frame based on a silicon substrate and a face plate frame (wall portion) 70 using a glass substrate as a base material. There is. Of the wall portions of the housing 69, the wall portion formed by the face plate frame 70 has a portion corresponding to the light incident window portion 71 located on the photoelectric surface 65 side, and the light incident window portion from the signal output portion 72 side. It constitutes a translucent portion 73 that continuously extends toward the 71 side. The light transmitting portion 73 forms a light guide path 75 that guides the correction light L to the photoelectric surface 21.

Of the wall portions of the housing 69, the wall portion facing the dimming filter 68 is a signal output unit 72 located on the anode (not shown) side of the photomultiplier tube 63. The photoelectric surface 65 is arranged in the internal space S of the housing 69 so as to face the face plate frame 70 at a position near the wall portion on the opposite side of the signal output unit 72. The functions of the photoelectric surface 65, the multiplying portion, the anode, and the like in the internal space S are the same as those of the photomultiplier tube 11. In the photomultiplier tube 63, the photoelectric surface 65, the multiplying portion, and the anode are arranged in this order from the left side of the paper surface to the right side of the paper surface along the longitudinal direction of the face plate frame 70 in FIGS. Next electron multiplication is performed.

In the photomultiplier tube unit 61, the correction light L output from the light source 44 receives a certain amount of attenuation by the dimming filter 68, and then passes through the signal output unit 72 facing the dimming filter 68 and enters the face plate frame 70. Incident in. A part of the correction light L may be directly incident on the face plate frame 70 without passing through the signal output unit 72. The correction light L incident on the face plate frame 70 repeatedly reflects in the face plate frame 70, which is the translucent portion 73, and is incident on the photoelectric surface 21 while diffusing. Even in the photomultiplier tube unit 1 having such a configuration, the correction light L from the correction light source unit 42 is guided to the photoelectric surface 65 by the light guide path 75 provided in the region outside the internal space S. Therefore, also in the photomultiplier tube unit 61, it is possible to prevent the correction light L from hitting the internal structure (multiplier portion, anode, etc.) in the photomultiplier tube 63, and the correction light L can be stably photoelectric. Light can be guided to the surface 65. As a result, the sensitivity drift of the photomultiplier tube 63 can be corrected with high accuracy.

In each of the above embodiments, the light-transmitting portion constituting the housing of the photomultiplier tube is used as the light guide path, but the light guide path may be provided separately from the photomultiplier tube. For example, a translucent member arranged along the photomultiplier tube may be used as a light guide path. In this case, it is preferable to cover the translucent member with a light-shielding member. Further, the correction light source unit may be provided as a separate body without being integrated with the socket, or may be configured to directly inject the correction light into the light guide path without passing through the socket.

1,61 ... Photomultiplier tube unit (electron tube unit), 2 ... Case (light-shielding member for waveguide / second light-shielding member), 11,63 ... Photomultiplier tube (electron tube), 12 ... Valve (housing) Body), 13,71 ... Light incident window, 14,72 ... Signal output, 15 ... Side wall (wall), 16 ... Light-shielding member (light-shielding member for waveguide / first light-shielding member), 17 ... Light-shielding member (light-shielding member for signal output section) 21,65 ... Photomultiplier tube, 23 ... Multiplier tube, 24 ... Anosome, 30 ... Socket, 31 ... Socket body, 31a ... Through hole, 33, 64 ... Pressure dividing unit, 35 ... Light-shielding member (light-shielding member for holes), 42, 67 ... Correction light source unit, 43, 75 ... Light guide path, 44, 74 ... Light source, 46 ... Dimming member, 47, 73 ... Transparent Optical part, 48 ... Optical coupling part, 50 ... Waveguide (optical coupling part), 62 ... Case (light-shielding member for waveguide), 68 ... Dimming filter (dimming member), 69 ... Housing, 70 ... Face plate Frame (wall), L ... correction light, S ... internal space.

Claims (16)

An electron tube in which a photoelectric surface that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident and an anode that generates a signal based on the photoelectrons are housed in an internal space of a housing.
An electron tube unit including a correction light source unit having a light source for outputting correction light to the electron tube.
The housing includes a light incident window portion located on the photoelectric surface side, a signal output portion located on the anode side, and a wall portion connecting the light incident window portion and the signal output portion.
The correction light source unit is arranged closer to the signal output unit than the light incident window unit in the housing.
The correction light from the correction light source unit is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the internal space.
At least a part of the wall portion of the housing is a translucent portion that continuously extends from the signal output portion side toward the light incident window portion side.
The light guide path is composed of the light transmitting portion.
The correction light source unit has an optical coupling unit that optically couples the light source and the translucent unit.
The optical coupling portion is an annular member having a through hole facing the signal output portion.
An electron tube unit in which the inner wall surface of the through hole is covered with a light-shielding member for the hole. The electron tube unit according to claim 1, wherein the optical coupling portion is formed of a light diffusing member and faces an end portion of the wall portion on the signal output portion side. An electron tube in which a photoelectric surface that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident and an anode that generates a signal based on the photoelectrons are housed in an internal space of a housing.
An electron tube unit including a correction light source unit having a light source for outputting correction light to the electron tube.
The housing includes a light incident window portion located on the photoelectric surface side, a signal output portion located on the anode side, and a wall portion connecting the light incident window portion and the signal output portion.
The correction light source unit is arranged closer to the signal output unit than the light incident window unit in the housing.
The correction light from the correction light source unit is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the internal space.
The outside of the light guide path is covered with a light-shielding member for the light guide path.
The light-shielding member for a light guide path has a first light-shielding member that covers the light guide path and a second light-shielding member that has a higher light-shielding property than the first light-shielding member and covers the first light-shielding member. An electron tube unit composed of a light-shielding member. At least a part of the wall portion of the housing is a translucent portion that continuously extends from the signal output portion side toward the light incident window portion side.
The electron tube unit according to claim 3, wherein the light guide path is composed of the light transmitting portion. The electron tube unit according to claim 4, wherein the light transmitting portion is optically coupled to the light incident window portion. The electron tube unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the translucent unit faces the light source of the correction light source unit. The electron tube unit according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the entire wall portion of the housing is the translucent portion. The electron tube unit according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the correction light source unit has an optical coupling unit that optically couples the light source and the light transmitting unit. The electron tube unit according to claim 8, wherein the optical coupling portion is formed of a light diffusing member and faces the end portion of the wall portion on the signal output portion side. The optical coupling portion is an annular member having a through hole facing the signal output portion.
The electron tube unit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the inner wall surface of the through hole is covered with a light-shielding member for the hole. Further provided with a voltage dividing portion for dividing the power supplied to the photoelectric surface and the anode.
The electron tube unit according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the correction light source unit and the pressure dividing unit are integrated with the optical coupling unit and are detachably fitted to the electron tube. The electron tube unit according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein the correction light source unit includes a dimming member that attenuates the amount of the correction light output from the light source. The electron tube unit according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the signal output unit includes a light-shielding member for a signal output unit having a light-shielding property lower than that of the first light-shielding member. A photoelectric surface that emits photoelectrons in response to light incident and an anode that generates a signal based on the photoelectrons are detachably fitted into an electron tube that is housed in the internal space of the housing, and correction light is applied to the electron tube. A socket for an electron tube provided with a correction light source unit having a light source for outputting
A voltage dividing portion for dividing the power supplied to the photoelectric surface of the electron tube and the anode is provided.
In the state of being fitted to the electron tube, the correction light from the correction light source unit is guided to the photoelectric surface by a light guide path provided in a region outside the internal space.
The correction light source unit has an optical coupling unit that optically couples with the light source.
The optical coupling portion is an annular member having a through hole, and is an annular member.
An electron tube socket in which the inner wall surface of the through hole is covered with a light-shielding member for the hole. The electron tube socket according to claim 14 , wherein the optical coupling portion is composed of a light diffusing member. The electronic tube socket according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein the correction light source unit has a dimming member that attenuates the amount of the correction light output from the light source.

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