The Astracon Tube and its Application to High-Speed Photography

Abstract

In high-speed and ultra-high-speed photography, comeras utilizing single-stage electronic image-converter tubes have proved to be very useful. These electronic cameras however, have the disadvantage of small light gain, so that a high brightness of the primary image is required. The use of a multistage image-intensifier tube, such as the Astracon, overcomes this difficulty. — A high-speed camera of “ultimate light gain,” employing two Astracon tubes, has been built. With this camera, it is possible to record single photoelectron events on photographic film. The performance of this camera is discussed as a specific application of the Astracon tube, in high-speed photography at extremely low light levels.