How microchannel plates are made?

A microchannel plate (MCP) consists of closely packed and fused micro glass capillary tubes with inner walls containing a material that can easily yield secondary electrons. A photocathode is placed at the entrance of the fused capillary tubes and an anode collector at the exit to produce a MCP-PM.

How does an MCP work?

A microchannel plate (MCP) is an electron multiplier for detecting X-rays, ultraviolet radiation and charged particles. The output is a two-dimensional electron image which preserves the spatial resolution of the original input radiation, but with a linear gain up to 1000.

Why do PMT and MCP need to operate in vacuum?

Practically all PMTs work in vacuum, since they are photo-electron multipliers that imply amplification via electron avalanches between the dynode stages. Channeltrons and MCPs have picosecond pulses, probably good enough for your fast timing.

How does an electron multiplier work?

An electron multiplier is a vacuum-tube structure that multiplies incident charges. If an electric potential is applied between this metal plate and yet another, the emitted electrons will accelerate to the next metal plate and induce secondary emission of still more electrons.

What are principal advantage of micro channel plate PM tubes compared with more conventional designs?

Advantages and disadvantages of MCP-PM assemblies over conventional dynode PMTs are reviewed by Spaulding and Noakes (1983). The advantages are (1) improved time resolution with pulse rise times of approximately 250 ps and fall times of approximately 780 ps, (2) low background noise; and (3) small size.

How does a microchannel plate detector work?

The microchannel plate functions as a particle amplifier, turning a single impinging particle into a cloud of electrons. By applying a strong electric field across the MCP, each individual microchannel becomes a continuous-dynode electron multiplier.

How do photomultiplier tubes detect light?

A photomultiplier tube, useful for light detection of very weak signals, is a photoemissive device in which the absorption of a photon results in the emission of an electron. These detectors work by amplifying the electrons generated by a photocathode exposed to a photon flux.

How long do electron multipliers last?

2-year
In fact, an ETP multiplier can be stored for years before being used. As a direct result of the high stability of the active materials used in ETP multipliers, they come with a 2-year shelf life warranty (stored in original sealed package).

What is dynode made of?

The dynode is made of a metal plate containing a substance on the surface such as a bialkali compound, which emits secondary electrons upon impact with accelerated electrons. The acceleration of the photoelectrons and the impact of these on the dynode produce multiple secondary electrons.

What is the principle advantage of microchannel plate PM tubes compared to more conventional designs?

What are photomultiplier tubes made of?

Photomultipliers are typically constructed with an evacuated glass housing (using an extremely tight and durable glass-to-metal seal like other vacuum tubes), containing a photocathode, several dynodes, and an anode.