Ultra fast, microchannel plate photomultiplier tube
Photek is the world leading manufacturer of MCP photomultiplier tubes for analysis of ultra-fast optical phenomena. Our photomultipliers are the fastest in the world with pulse rise times to 60 ps and pulse FWHM to 100 ps.
powers the most accurate Time Correlated Single Photon Counting available
provides fastest response of any PMT, down to 60 ps risetime
10 mm, 25 mm and 40 mm
for accurate analysis of wide dynamic range events
cover a wide range of light levels
allows rejection of unwanted signal
for ease of use
The table below outlines the Part Number format for our standard product range. To talk further about these products, or bespoke solutions for your application, then please Contact us.
Example: PMT125/Q/S20/FG
is a 25mm diameter single MCP photomultiplier tube, with a fused silica input window, S20 photocathode, and fast gating.
TYPE | MCP | Size | Input | Photocathode | Gating |
PMT | 1 | 10 | Q (Fused Silica) | SB (Solar Blind) | G (Standard Gating) |
2 | 25 | M (MgF2) | BI (Bialkali) | FG (Fast Gating) | |
3 | 40 | S20B | NG (No Gating) | ||
S20 | |||||
S25 | |||||
Other Input windows and Photocathodes available upon request.
Active Diameter (mm) | Max Gain | Typical Pulse Risetime (ps) | Typical Pulse FWHM (ps) | Gating Speed (ns) | |
PMT110 | 10 | 104 | 65 | 110 | < 3 |
PMT210 | 10 | 106 | 85 | 150 | < 3 |
PMT310 | 10 | 107 | 105 | 170 | < 3 |
PMT125 | 25 | 104 | 115 | 700 | < 5 |
PMT225 | 25 | 106 | 190 | 840 | < 5 |
PMT325 | 25 | 107 | 400 | 1000 | < 5 |
PMT140 | 40 | 104 | 150 | 450 | < 10 |
PMT240 | 40 | 106 | 230 | 850 | < 10 |
PMT340 | 40 | 107 | 320 | 920 | < 10 |
Photocathode Response
Typical Pulse Response – PMT110, PMT210

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An MCP-PMT is a microchannel-plate photomultiplier ideal for ultra-fast, low-jitter detection. It excels with fast transient phenomena thanks to sub-nanosecond rise times, low transit time spread (TTS) and minimal after-pulsing – perfect for TOF, LIDAR, FLIM, and other high-speed pulsed applications.
Yes. MCP-PMTs with dual (chevron) or triple (z-stack) MCPs deliver high gain and low noise with excellent timing resolution, ideal for time correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), Cherenkov, and LiDAR.
Photek MCP-PMTs achieve transit time spreads in the tens of picoseconds for single-photon detection, and below 10 ps for multi-photon signals, depending on the model. We can recommend the best configuration for your timing needs.
MCP-PMTs are highly resilient in magnetic fields compared to dynode PMTs. Certain models of Photek MCP-PMTs have been shown to perform well in fields of up to 2 T and remain operable at up to 5 T.
UV to NIR wavelengths are covered with solar-blind, bialkali, and broadband visible photocathodes. Input window options include fused silica, fibre optic glass and specialised materials where required. We match optimal QE and entrance window to your wavelength range.
Both single and multi-anode arrays are available, with configurations up to 64 × 64 outputs. Multi-anode designs enable multi-channel timing, coincidence detection, or spatially resolved measurements.
Photek MCP-PMTs are best suited for detecting ultra-short, high-intensity pulses rather than continuous high-brightness signals. The usable event rate depends on pulse width, duty cycle, and MCP recharge time. Contact the Photek team to determine the best configuration for your application.
Lifetime relates to the total extracted charge from the microchannel plates (MCPs). Specially coated MCPs and optimised operating gain can extend lifetime significantly. Photek can provide guidance on options and optimal operating parameters for demanding applications.
Yes. Fast gating down to < 3 ns is achievable, allowing background suppression and time-resolved detection. Suitable gating modules are available from Photek.
Yes. We can customise the mechanical design, anode configurations, connectors to suit your application. Supporting electronics, including high-voltage power supplies and gating modules, are offered by Photek.
26 Castleham Road
St Leonards on Sea
East Sussex, TN38 9NS
United Kingdom