| a vacuum tube containing a number of dynodes that serve to amplify the flow of electrons from the cathode by means of secondary emission. |
| 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. |
| 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. |