Characteristics have been measured for the Amperex 56 TVP 42-mm-diameter photomultiplier. Some typical photomultiplier characteristics--such as gain, dark current, transit and rise times--are compared with data provided by the manufacturer. Photomultiplier characteristics generally not available from the manufacturer, such as the single photoelectron time spread, the relative collection efficiency, the relative anode pulse amplitude as a function of the voltage between the photocathode and focusing electrode, and the position of the photocathode sensing area were measured and are discussed for two 56 TVP's. The single photoelectron time spread, the relative collection efficiency, and the transit time difference as a function of the voltage between photocathode and focusing electrode were also measured and are discussed, particularly with respect to the optimization of photomultiplier operating conditions for timing applications.

An experiment in which a long pulse electron beam diode is converted to a reflex ion diode is reported. The results further substantiate the model of reflex ion diode behavior as well as extend the duration of ion mode operation to greater than 500 nsec.

The report reviews the legislative efforts in the Congress from the 90th Congress onward to enact legislation to provide for conversion in the United States to the use of the metric system of weights and measures.