electron multiplier

electron multiplier

n.

A vacuum tube in which a single electron produces a large number of secondary electrons by collision with an anode, the process generally being repeated through a number of stages to achieve great amplification of current.

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electron multiplier

An electrical component in which a single electron can create a large current flow. Electron multipliers are used in photomultipliers, particle detectors, and electron microscopes. In tube electron multipliers, electrons released from a cathode collide with a dynode or anode, causing release of more electrons through secondary emission; this process is generally repeated through a number of stages to achieve great amplification of current. Electron multipliers are also called electron amplifiers.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

electron multiplier - a vacuum tube that amplifies a flow of electrons electron tube, thermionic tube, thermionic vacuum tube, thermionic valve, vacuum tube, tube - electronic device consisting of a system of electrodes arranged in an evacuated glass or metal envelope