Progress on development of UV photocathodes for photon-counting applications at NASA GSFC

J. Stock; G. Hilton; T. Norton; B. Woodgate; S. Aslam; M. Ulmer

doi:10.1117/12.617517

18 August 2005 Progress on development of UV photocathodes for photon-counting applications at NASA GSFC

J. Stock, G. Hilton, T. Norton, B. Woodgate, S. Aslam, M. Ulmer

Proceedings Volume 5898, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XIV; 58980F (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617517
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The development of high quantum efficiency photemissive detectors is recognized as a significant advancement for astronomical missions requiring photon-counting detection. For solar-blind NUV detection, current missions (GALEX, STIS) using Cs₂Te detectors are limited to ~10% DQE. Emphasis in recent years has been to develop high QE (>50%) GaN and AlGaN photocathodes (among a few others) that can then be integrated into imaging detectors suitable for future UV missions. We report on progress we have made in developing GaN photocathodes and discuss our observations related to parameters that effect efficiency and stability, including intrinsic material properties, surface preparation, and vacuum environment. We have achieved a QE in one case of 65% at 185 nm and are evaluating the stability of these high QEs. We also discuss plans for incorporating photocathodes into imaging and non-imaging sealed devices in order to demonstrate long term stability.

Citation Download Citation

J. Stock, G. Hilton, T. Norton, B. Woodgate, S. Aslam, and M. Ulmer "Progress on development of UV photocathodes for photon-counting applications at NASA GSFC", Proc. SPIE 5898, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XIV, 58980F (18 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617517

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available