Hamamatsu, Japan – September 28, 2010 – Hamamatsu Photonics K.K., the world leader in photomultiplier tube (PMT) technology, has announced the successful development of its ultra-compact, next-generation μPMT (Micro PMT). The μPMT is the world’s first PMT to be fabricated through the use of semiconductor processes for MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) devices. Its prototype is thinner than the smallest PMT that Hamamatsu currently offers. By comparison, the μPMT has only 1/7th the volume and 1/9th the weight. Due to this extremely small size, it is expected that μPMTs will contribute to the development of more compact instruments for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and applications in many other fields.
The μPMT is designed for mass production. Promotion with samples of the uPMT is scheduled to start for research & development in January 2011.
