A device to multiply current in an electron beam (or in a photon or particle beam
by first conversion to electrons) by incidence of accelerated electrons upon the surface
of an electrode which yields a number of secondary electrons greater than the number
of incident electrons. These electrons are then accelerated to another electrode (or
another part of the same electrode), which in turn emits further secondary electrons
so that the process can be repeated. It is recommended that one should refer to the
abundance of an ion, to the intensity of an ion beam, and to the height or area of
a peak.
Source:
PAC, 1991, 63, 1541
(Recommendations for nomenclature and symbolism for mass spectroscopy (including an
appendix of terms used in vacuum technology). (Recommendations 1991))
on page 1554