V.sensitive light detectors (Search on Yahoo).

CHANNEL PHOTOMULTIPLIER OPERATION

"A new photomultiplier design takes the form of a monolithic structure that provides complete photomultiplier functionality with greatly increased sensitivity. The photomultiplier tube has been the mainstay of low-light detectors for well over 50 years. Over that time, performance has slowly improved while the basic operating principles have remained unchanged for the most part. Recently, however, a new design has led to dramatic improvements in performance."

Perhaps I'll get one for Christmas..or find a university that has one and take the portable BBCi emanometer to it.

BACKGROUND

Photomultipliers are extremely sensitive light detectors that provide a current output proportional to light intensity. They are used to measure any process that directly or indirectly emits light. Large-area light detection, high gain, and the ability to detect single photons give the photomultiplier distinct advantages over other light detectors.
The Channel photomultiplier (see Figure 1), as do all photomultipliers, detects light at the photocathode, causing it to emit electrons by the photoelectric effect.

[ 17. June 2003, 13:18: Message edited by: Timokay ]