Characterization of microchannel plate quantum efficiency

Oswald Siegmund; John Vallerga; Anton Tremsin

doi:10.1117/12.621708

18 August 2005 Characterizations of microchannel plate quantum efficiency

Oswald Siegmund, John Vallerga, Anton Tremsin

Proceedings Volume 5898, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XIV; 58980H (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621708
Event: Optics and Photonics 2005, 2005, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Microchannel plates have been used over many years in astronomical applications for X-ray, UV and visible sensing. Their adaptability to various size and configuration formats have allowed a wide range of devices to be realized, employing many different forms of readout techniques and photocathode types. One problem that has arisen for a number of these programs is the issue of obtaining high quantum efficiency on a consistent basis. Several missions have suffered from problems when microchannel plates have not achieved the quantum efficiency values that are the generally accepted normal values. We have compiled an extensive set of quantum efficiency measurements which cover missions and devices produced over the past 20 years. These show that the deficiencies in MCP QE of bare MCP's also result in a corresponding decrease in QE for same MCP's coated with a photocathode. This may be interpreted as a deficiency of the MCP detection efficiency for low energy photoelectrons produced by the MCP/cathode. Recent measurements of MCP's produced by alteration of the processing procedures shows that this problem is avoidable, and gives excellent results for current generation MCP's with 5-6 micron pore sizes.

Citation Download Citation

Oswald Siegmund, John Vallerga, and Anton Tremsin "Characterizations of microchannel plate quantum efficiency", Proc. SPIE 5898, UV, X-Ray, and Gamma-Ray Space Instrumentation for Astronomy XIV, 58980H (18 August 2005); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.621708

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