An electron multiplier (continuous dynode electron multiplier) multiplies charge. Ions can, when bombarded on metal (or PbO coated surface) induce emission of electrons. If an electric potential is applied from one metal plate to the other, the emitted electrons will accelerate to the next metal plate and induce emission of more electrons. These electrons can be accelerated to another metal plate and the whole process will be repeated but with more and more electrons. Therefore, another name for electron multipliers is avalanching ion detector. 12 stages of acceleration will usually give a gain in current of 10 million.

In mass spectrometry electron multipliers are often used as a detector of ions that have been separated by a mass analyzer of some sort.

See also

• Electron
• Faraday cup
• Microchannel plate

Measuring instruments | Radio electronics | Mass spectrometry | Electron