Evaluation of photomultiplier tubes for use in photon counting correlation spectroscopy

Abstract
A simple experimental technique is described for qualitatively determining the afterpulse spectrum of a photomultiplier tube for use in a photon counting mode. Results for several common photon counting tubes are evaluated with particular interest in the use of the tube for photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) applications. A discussion of the problems which arise due to afterpulsing is included.