MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES

Product catalog summary

Overview

The Hamamatsu R3809U-50 Series Microchannel Plate Photomultiplier Tubes (MCP-PMTs) are high-speed, low-noise photodetectors designed for applications in molecular science, medical science, biochemistry, and material engineering. They feature a compact profile with an 11 mm diameter photocathode and overall dimensions of 70.2 mm length and 45.0 mm outer diameter.

Key Features

High-speed response with a rise time of 160 ps and Instrument Response Function (IRF) of 55 ps (FWHM).
Low noise operation suitable for sensitive photon detection.
Compact design facilitating integration into various measurement systems.
Useful photocathode diameter of 11 mm.

Applications

These MCP-PMTs are suitable for:

Molecular structure analysis
Optical computer tomography
Fast gene sequencing
Semiconductor analysis
Crystal research

Specifications

Parameter	Description / Value	Unit
Effective Photocathode Diameter	11	mm
MCP Channel Diameter	6	µm
Dynode Structure	2-stage Filmed MCP	—
Capacitance between Anode and MCP out	3	pF
Weight	99.5	g
Operating Ambient Temperature	-50 to +50	°C
Storage Temperature	-50 to +50	°C
Supply Voltage	-3400	V
Average Anode Current	100	nA
Pulsed Peak Current	350	mA
Voltage Divider Current	110	µA

Performance Characteristics

Gain at -3000 V: typically 3 × 10⁵
Anode dark counts at -3000 V: typically 70 nA
Rise time: 160 ps
Fall time: 360 ps
Instrument Response Function (IRF) FWHM: 55 ps
Transit Time Spread (TTS) FWHM: 25 ps or less

Spectral Response

The spectral response covers wavelengths from approximately 115 nm to 910 nm depending on the photocathode and window material variant. The standard window material is synthetic silica, with some variants using MgF₂. Photocathode materials include multialkali, extended red multialkali, bialkali, and Cs-Te, each optimized for different spectral ranges.

Measurement Systems and Diagrams

The document includes detailed block diagrams for Transit Time Spread (TTS) measurement, output waveform measurement, pulse height distribution (PHD), and Instrument Response Function (IRF) measurement systems. These illustrate the use of mode-locked Nd-YAG lasers, monochromators, amplifiers, and timing electronics to characterize the MCP-PMT performance.

Handling and Operation Precautions

Handle the PMT carefully to avoid mechanical shock or excessive pressure as it is a fragile glass vacuum device.
Maintain a minimum 5 mm clearance from grounded objects near the photocathode when negative high voltage is applied to prevent noise and damage.
Avoid direct exposure of the photocathode to sunlight or strong light sources, even when not operating.
Do not touch the input window with bare hands; clean with alcohol and soft cloth if contaminated.
Operate and store within specified temperature and humidity ranges to prevent damage.
Apply high voltage gradually in small steps (ideally 100 V increments) while monitoring output to avoid damage.
Do not connect or disconnect cables while high voltage is applied.
Turn off high voltage when not in use to extend device lifetime and prevent damage.
Keep incident light intensity as low as possible; recommended signal count rate below 20,000 counts per second for photon counting applications.
Illuminate the photocathode over the largest possible area to maintain linearity and avoid localized sensitivity degradation.
Do not use the PMT as a vacuum interface; it is not vacuum-tight.
Ensure vacuum levels reach at least 1 × 10^-3 Pa before applying high voltage in vacuum applications.

Warranty and Claims

12-month warranty from shipment date covering defects in workmanship or materials.
Damage claims must be made within five days to the carrier.
Inspection and testing by customer within 30 days of shipment is required; otherwise, claims are limited.
No credit for damage due to misuse, modification, or defaced serial numbers.
Returns require prior written permission, proper packaging, and original documentation.

Accessories

Thermoelectric Cooling Unit (C10373 Series) with water cooling, capable of reducing temperature to approx. -30 °C.
PMT Holder (E3059-500) required for cooled operation.
High-Speed Amplifier (C5594 Series) with 50 kHz to 1.5 GHz frequency response, 36 dB gain, and 3.15 mV/µA conversion factor.
Bench-Top High Voltage Power Supply (C9727/-01) with output up to -3500 V, 2 mA max current, and low ripple and drift.

Dimensional Outline

The PMT has a length of 70.2 ± 0.5 mm, outer diameter of 45.0 mm, and a minimum effective photocathode diameter of 11 mm. Connectors include SHV-R for high voltage input and SMA-R for anode output.

Contact Information

Hamamatsu Photonics K.K. provides global support with offices in Japan, USA, Germany, France, UK, Northern Europe, Italy, and China.

Catalog excerpts

MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-1

MICROCHANNEL PLATEPHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBES (MCP-PMT) R3809U-50 SERIES FEATURES GHigh Speed Rise Time: 160 ps IRF (Instrument Response Function) A: 55 ps (FWHM) GLow Noise GCompact Profile Useful Photocathode: 11 mm diameter (Overall length: 70.2 mm Outer diameter: 45.0 mm) APPLICATIONS GMolecular Science Analysis of Molecular Structure GMedical Science Optical Computer Tomography GBiochemistry Fast Gene Sequencing GMaterial Engineering Semiconductor Analysis Crystal Research Figure 2: Transit Time Spread (T.T.S.) 104 FWTM 65 ps PMT : R3809U-50 SUPPLY VOLTAGE : -3000 V LASER PULSE : 5 ps (FWHM) WAVELENGTH : 596 nm PHOTOCATHODE RADIANT SENSITIVITY (mA/W) Figure 1: Spectral Response Characteristics 103 Figure 3: Block Diagram of T.T.S. Mesuring System MIRROR MODE LOCKED Nd-YAG LASER LASER PULSE WIDTH: 5 ps (FWHM) FILTER BS CAVITY DUMPER POWER SUPPLY HAMAMATSU C9727 HAMAMATSU C5594 ORTEC 457 STOP START TAC TRIGGER CIRCUIT HAMAMATSU PD S5973 DELAY Subject to local technical requirements and regulations, availability of products included in this promotional material may vary. Please consult with our sales office. Information furnished by HAMAMATSU is believed to be reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed for possible inaccuracies or omissions. Specifications are subject to change without notice. No patent rights are granted to any of the circuits described herein. ©2015 Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-2

SPECIFICATIONS PHOTOCATHODE SELECTION GUIDE Suffix Number 50 51 52 53 57 58 Photocathode Material Window Material Multialkali Extended Red Multialkali Bialkali Cs-Te Cs-Te Multialkali Synthetic Silica Synthetic Silica Synthetic Silica Synthetic Silica MgF2 MgF2 GENERAL Parameter Effective Photocathode Diameter MCP Channel Diameter Dynode Structure B Capacitance between Anode and MCP out Weight Operating Ambient Temperature C Storage Temperature MAXIMUM RATINGS (Absolute Maximum Values) Parameter Supply Voltage Average Anode Current Pulsed Peak Current D Voltage Divider Current ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS...

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-3

TECHNICAL REFERENCE DATA Figure 4: Typical Gain 107 Figure 5: Variation of Dark Counts Depending on Ambient Temperature CURRENT GAIN Figure 6: Typical Output Deviation as a Function of Anode DC Current Figure 7: Typical Output Deviation as a Function of Anode Count Rate TPMHB0182EA OVERALL SUPPLY VOLTAGE : -3000 V MCP RESISTANCE : 200 MΩ MCP STRIP CURRENT : 8.15 µA SUPPLY VOLTAGE : -3000 V MCP RESISTANCE : 200 MΩ MCP STRIP CURRENT : 8.15 µA

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-4

Figure 8: Typical Output Waveform Figure 9: Block Diagram of Output Waveform Measuring System OUTPUT VOLTAGE (20 mV/div) PICOSECOND LIGHT PULSER HAMAMATSU MODEL#PLP-01 WAVELENGTH: 410 nm PULSE WIDTH (FWHM) : 35 ps HIGH VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY TRIGGER IN SUPPLY VOLTAGE : -3000 V RISE TIME : 160 ps FALL TIME : 360 ps PULSE WIDTH : 300 ps Figure 10: Typical Pulse Height Distribution (PHD) Figure 11: Block Diagram of PHD Measuring System SUPPLY VOLTAGE : -3000 V AMBIENT TEMPERATURE : 25 °C DARK COUNTS : 2000 s-1 (Max.) : R3809U-50 PMT : 200 ch PEAK : 50 ch DISCRI.LEVEL ND FILTER HALOGEN LAMP R3809U-50...

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-5

Figure 12: Typical Instrument Response Function (I.R.F.) Figure 13: Block Diagram of I.R.F. Measuring System HAMAMATSU PICOSECOND MODEL#PLP-01 WAVELENGTH: 410 nm LIGHT PULSER PULSE WIDTH (FWHM) : 35 ps TRIGGER OUT HAMAMATSU C9727 HIGH VOLTAGE POWER SUPPLY Figure 14: Dimensional Outline (Unit: mm) 52.5 ± 0.5 WINDOW FACE PLATE -HV INPUT SHV-R CONNECTOR EFFECTIVE PHOTOCATHODE DIAMETER 11 MIN. ANODE OUTPUT SMA-R CONNECTOR TPMHA0352EC

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-6

MCP-PMTs R3809U-50 SERIES PRECAUTIONS FOR PROPER OPERATION Handling on set-up 1) The photomultiplier tube (PMT) is a glass product under high vacuum. EXCESSIVE PRESSURE, VIBRATIONS OR SHOCKS TO THE TUBE FROM THE SURROUNDING COULD CAUSE A PERMANENT DAMAGE. Please pay special attention on insuring proper handling. 2) DO NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS OF GROUND POTENTIAL CLOSER THAN 5mm TO THE PHOTOCATHODE WINDOW when negative high voltage is applied to the photocathode. It could generate extra noise and damage the photocathode permanently. 3) DO NOT EXPOSE THE PHOTOCATHODE TO SUNLIGHT DIRECTLY and any light...

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-7

ACCESSORIES THERMOELECTRIC COOLING UNIT C10373 Series Left: Power Supply Right: Cooled PMT Housing Parameter Cooling Method Heat Exchange Medium Cooling Temperature (with cooling water at +20 °C) Cooling Time Applicable PMT Holder (sold separately) * AC Input Voltage Operating Ambient Temperature A Storage Temperature A Description / Value Thermoelectric cooling using peltier module Water Approx. -30 °C Approx. 120 min E3059-500 100 V to 240 V +5 °C to +40 °C / Below 75 % -15 °C to +50 °C / Below 80 % NOTE: ANo condensation * The E3059-500 exclusive holder is necessary for R3809U-50 series. HIGH...

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MICROCHANNEL PLATE-PHOTOMULTIPLIER TUBE (MCP-PMTs) R3809U-50 SERIES-8

HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K., Electron Tube Division 314-5, Shimokanzo, Iwata City, Shizuoka Pref., 438-0193, Japan, Telephone: (81)539/62-5248, Fax: (81)539/62-2205 U.S.A.: Hamamatsu Corporation: 360 Foothill Road, Bridgewater. N.J. 08807-0910, U.S.A., Telephone: (1)908-231-0960, Fax: (1)908-231-1218 E-mail: [email protected] Germany: Hamamatsu Photonics Deutschland GmbH: Arzbergerstr. 10, D-82211 Herrsching am Ammersee, Germany, Telephone: (49)8152-375-0, Fax: (49)8152-2658 E-mail: [email protected] France: Hamamatsu Photonics France S.A.R.L.: 19, Rue du Saule Trapu, Parc du Moulin de Massy, 91882...

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