Effect of the Magnetic Field on the Performance of Nuclear Enterprises 663c Photomultiplier Tube

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of magnetic field on the performance of Nuclear Enterprises 663c Photomultiplier Tube. A Helmholtz coils system was used to generate a uniform magnetic field. Generated magnetic field was in 4.6, 5.4, and 7 G and our measurements showed that it was a uniform magnetic field in the center volume of the Helmholtz coils. Measurements were performed for three different operating voltages of the PMT and at different angles between direction of the magnetic field and the detector. Based on our experiments, the 7 G magnetic field decreased the performance of the PMT up to 97.025%. Also, magnetic field of the earth decreased relative efficiency of the PMT by 20%. The interference of the magnetic field was maximum at the angle of around 60°. We conclude that strong magnetic field can significantly affect performance of a Nuclear Enterprises 663c PMT.