Characterization of photomultiplier tubes with a realistic model through GPU-boosted simulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new cascade model for photomultiplier tube response characterization, demonstrating improved accuracy over traditional models through GPU-accelerated simulations, applicable across various voltages and light levels.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel cascade model for PMT response and a GPU-based analysis framework, enhancing accuracy and computational efficiency over existing methods.

Findings

Cascade model outperforms Gaussian model in accuracy

Model agrees well with a model-independent approach

GPU framework enables efficient analysis of complex models

Abstract

The accurate characterization of a photomultiplier tube (PMT) is crucial in a wide-variety of applications. However, current methods do not give fully accurate representations of the response of a PMT, especially at very low light levels. In this work, we present a new and more realistic model of the response of a PMT, called the cascade model, and use it to characterize two different PMTs at various voltages and light levels. The cascade model is shown to outperform the more common Gaussian model in almost all circumstances and to agree well with a newly introduced model independent approach. The technical and computational challenges of this model are also presented along with the employed solution of developing a robust GPU-based analysis framework for this and other non-analytical models.