Research Progress on Detection of Weak Light Signal by Photomultiplier Tube

Photomultiplier tube (PMT) is a vacuum electronic device which converts weak light signal into electrical signal. Photomultiplier tubes have great structural advantages for measuring weak optical signals and are commonly used in optical measuring instruments and spectral analysis instruments. They are widely used in laser detection instruments in the fields of metallurgy, electronics, machinery, chemical industry, geology, medical treatment, nuclear industry, astronomy, and space research. Firstly, this article introduces the background and application of photomultiplier tubes. Besides, with concrete analysis of the structure and working principle of PMTs, this paper also explores their huge advantages in the detection of weak optical signal through analyzing the job characteristics and work parameters. Finally, the application of PMTs in biomedical and spectral field, two main areas of emerging scientific research area, is also discussed detailly.