Investigation of the Operation of a Fast Photomultiplier in a Scintillation Alpha-Particle Detector

A Hamamatsu R1828-01 model fast photomultiplier tube, i.e. having fast time response, was tested whether it can be utilized for the detection of alpha particles. An Eljen AJ-440 model ZnS(Ag) scintillator sheet was mounted on the front window of the PMT. In order to obtain best alpha detection performance, three different main amplifier models that are in our laboratory were used. The alpha energy resolution values were calculated through the amplifiers. Thus, the most appropriate amplifier model in the used ones was determined. It was shown that a fast PMT could be used in alpha particle detection in addition to the timing measurement. With this study, a Hamamatsu R18128-01 type PMT was first tested for the alpha detection and the detection performances through the main amplifiers were compared.