multiplier photometer
Datecirca 1950
Inventory Number1996-1-0432
ClassificationPhotometer
Subject
Maker
Photovolt Corporation
ca. 1940-present
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionswithout cords: 28 × 30 × 25 cm (11 × 11 13/16 × 9 13/16 in.)
Material
DescriptionA small lustrous metal box with a handle. In front of the handle are three sets of three slits, presumably used for cooling.
The facade of the object can be divided into a top half and a bottom half.
In the middle of the top half, framed in black, is a meter measuring density; the top set of numbers that the arm can point to ranges from 1 to 100, and the bottom set ranges from 2.0 to 0.
Dividing the top and bottom halves is the nameplate of the maker. Along the bottom half are three dials. The text encircling the left-most dial reads "SET NEEDLE TO LEFT ZERO. WITHOUT LIGHT ON PHOTOTUBE." The central dial is titled the "RANGE SWITCH" and has settings of 'x1' to 'x1000.' The right-most dial is titled the "MAIN SWITCH" and has settings of 'OFF,' 'WARM UP,' and 'ON.'
On the left side of the apparatus, near the bottom, are two stacked outlets. Both of the gray wires plugged into the apparatus lead into a small metal rectangular prism with a circular metal frame on one side.
From the opposite side, a thinner white wire is emitted that leads to a two-pronged power plug that would fit into a wall socket.
The facade of the object can be divided into a top half and a bottom half.
In the middle of the top half, framed in black, is a meter measuring density; the top set of numbers that the arm can point to ranges from 1 to 100, and the bottom set ranges from 2.0 to 0.
Dividing the top and bottom halves is the nameplate of the maker. Along the bottom half are three dials. The text encircling the left-most dial reads "SET NEEDLE TO LEFT ZERO. WITHOUT LIGHT ON PHOTOTUBE." The central dial is titled the "RANGE SWITCH" and has settings of 'x1' to 'x1000.' The right-most dial is titled the "MAIN SWITCH" and has settings of 'OFF,' 'WARM UP,' and 'ON.'
On the left side of the apparatus, near the bottom, are two stacked outlets. Both of the gray wires plugged into the apparatus lead into a small metal rectangular prism with a circular metal frame on one side.
From the opposite side, a thinner white wire is emitted that leads to a two-pronged power plug that would fit into a wall socket.
Signedon both face of scope and plaque on facade of instrument: PHOTOVOLT CORPORATION / NEW YORK CITY
Inscribedon the nameplate: PHOTOVOLT CORPORATION / NEW YORK CITY / SERIAL NO. / 7857 / MADE IN U.S.A. / MODEL NO. / 501M.
FunctionThis photometer was used as part of a "photomultiplier search unit", composed of a search unit (which housed the photomultiplier tube) and the main unit (which consisted of the amplifier).
The goal of the photometer is to measure light. A photomultiplier tube amplifies the current derived by a photoelectric cell or tube from a beam of light. This amplified current is then measured by the photometer.
The goal of the photometer is to measure light. A photomultiplier tube amplifies the current derived by a photoelectric cell or tube from a beam of light. This amplified current is then measured by the photometer.
Western Electric Company
Date: before 1933
Accessories: cords missing
Object number: RS0153
Harvard Apparatus Company
Date: circa 1955
Accessories: tube/syringe trays x4 (b); piece of plastic
Object number: 1996-1-0431a
General Radio Company
Date: circa 1943
Object number: 1997-1-0362
Luft Instruments, Inc.
Date: circa 1964
Accessories: adapter
Object number: 1996-1-0453
