PMT voltage vs. longevity

Eric Martz (emartz@microbio.umass.edu)
Tue, 25 Apr 1995 12:32:04 -0500 (EST)

Does it significantly shorten the life of a PMT to run it at 800-1000 volts
vs. 600?

Specifically, I'm using a FACStar Plus. The question comes up
because in a direct conjugate, low signal/noise situation, the best S/N
occurs at low laser power (autofluorescence requires higher power than FITC
or tetramethyl rhodamine for half-maximal excitation). Therefore, I end up
with low emission intensities, particularly in the red. I want linear (not
log) acquisition, so the red PMT voltage will need to be high if I keep the
laser power at minimum.

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Eric Martz, Professor of Immunology emartz@microbio.umass.edu
Dept Microbiology Voice: 413-545-2325 FAX: 413-545-1578
Morrill IVN 203, Box 35720, Univ Massachusetts, Amherst MA 01003-5720
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