photon counting

Also contains definition of: single-photon counting

Recording of sequential single photons counted by way of recording and counting sequential electron pulses at the anode of the photomultiplier.
Notes:
  1. Each electron pulse consists of 105–106 electrons resulting from the multiplication, in the 'dynode' arrangement (or the microchannel plate) of a photomultiplier, of a single photoelectron emitted by a photosensitive layer (the photocathode of the photomultiplier) upon arrival of a single photon.
  2. Technique used for two purposes: (i) sensitive measurement of low levels of radiation such as those originating from a luminophore and (ii) recording of emission decays.
Source:
PAC, 2007, 79, 293 (Glossary of terms used in photochemistry, 3rd edition (IUPAC Recommendations 2006)) on page 393