Imaging photomultiplier array with integrated amplifiers and high-speed USB interface

M. Blacksell, J. Wach, D. Anderson, J. Howard, S. M. Collis, B. D. Blackwell, D. Andruczyk, B. W. James

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Multianode photomultiplier tube (PMT) arrays are finding application as convenient high-speed light sensitive devices for plasma imaging. This paper describes the development of a USB-based "plug-n-play" 16-channel PMT camera with 16 bits simultaneous acquisition of 16 signal channels at rates up to 2 MSs per channel. The preamplifiers and digital hardware are packaged in a compact housing which incorporates magnetic shielding, on-board generation of the high-voltage PMT bias, an optical filter mount and slits, and F-mount lens adaptor. Triggering, timing, and acquisition are handled by four field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) under instruction from a master FPGA controlled by a computer with a LABVIEW interface. We present technical design details and specifications and illustrate performance with high-speed images obtained on the H-1 heliac at the ANU.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number10F506
JournalReview of Scientific Instruments
Volume79
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Instrumentation

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