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Photoelectric Effect02:26

Photoelectric Effect

When light of a particular wavelength strikes a metal surface, electrons are emitted. This is called the photoelectric effect. The minimum frequency of light that can cause such emission of electrons is called the threshold frequency, which is specific to the metal. Light with a frequency lower than the threshold frequency, even if it is of high intensity, cannot initiate the emission of electrons. However, when the frequency is higher than the threshold value, the number of electrons ejected...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
07:56

A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference

Published on: September 5, 2019

Photomultiplier single photon counting efficiency.

L Birenbaum, D B Scarl

    Applied Optics
    |February 4, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary

    A photomultiplier tube

    Area of Science:

    • Photon detection
    • Optical physics
    • Quantum optics

    Background:

    • Photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) are crucial for detecting low light levels.
    • Cathode quantum efficiency (QE) is a key performance metric for PMTs.
    • Single photon counting efficiency (SPCE) is critical for applications requiring high sensitivity.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • Investigate the discrepancy between cathode quantum efficiency and single photon counting efficiency in an RCA C31000F photomultiplier.
    • Identify the source of signal loss in photon counting measurements.
    • Understand the origin of sub-threshold pulses in the output spectrum.

    Main Methods:

    • Characterization of an RCA C31000F photomultiplier tube.
    • Measurement of cathode quantum efficiency at 633 nm.

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    Published on: December 27, 2018

    Related Experiment Videos

    Last Updated: Jun 16, 2026

    A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference
    07:56

    A Photonic System for Generating Unconditional Polarization-Entangled Photons Based on Multiple Quantum Interference

    Published on: September 5, 2019

    Time-resolved Photophysical Characterization of Triplet-harvesting Organic Compounds at an Oxygen-free Environment Using an iCCD Camera
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    Time-resolved Photophysical Characterization of Triplet-harvesting Organic Compounds at an Oxygen-free Environment Using an iCCD Camera

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  • Analysis of the output pulse height spectrum for single photon events.
  • Comparison of measured QE with observed SPCE.

    • Main Results:

    • The RCA C31000F photomultiplier exhibited a cathode quantum efficiency of 5.5% for 633-nm light.
    • The measured single photon counting efficiency was significantly lower at 3.3%.
    • A population of small output pulses, below the typical single electron peak, was observed in the pulse height spectrum.
    • These sub-threshold pulses are not registered by standard counting discriminators.

    Conclusions:

    • The reduced SPCE is attributed to uncounted sub-threshold pulses.
    • The underlying cause for these small pulses in the RCA C31000F PMT remains unidentified.
    • Further investigation is needed to understand and potentially mitigate the generation of these pulses for improved photon detection.