Long lifetime generation IV image intensifiers with unfilmed microchannel plate

Joseph P. Estrera; Edward J. Bender; A. Giordana; John W. Glesener; Mike J. Iosue; P. P. Lin; Timothy W. Sinor

doi:10.1117/12.405881

3 November 2000 Long lifetime generation IV image intensifiers with unfilmed microchannel plate

Joseph P. Estrera, Edward J. Bender, A. Giordana, John W. Glesener, Mike J. Iosue, P. P. Lin, Timothy W. Sinor

Proceedings Volume 4128, Image Intensifiers and Applications II; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405881
Event: International Symposium on Optical Science and Technology, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Current Generation II Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) image intensifier tube technology requires that the tube microchannel plate (MCP) component have a thin dielectric coating on the side facing the tube's photocathode component. This protective coating substantially reduces the release from the MCP of ions and neutral species, particularly when the image intensifier is operated. The prevention of MCP outgassing is necessary in order ot prevent the poisoning of the Cs:O surface on the GaAs photocathode. Many authors have experimented with omitting the MCP coating. Such experiments have consistently led to an intensifier with a significantly reduced lifetime, due to contamination of the Cs:O layer on the photocathode. Unfortunately the MCP film acts as a scattering cneter to electron transport within the intensifier and effectively reduces the photoelectron detection efficiency. Substantial enhancement of the image intensifier operating parameters is the motivation for the removal of the MCP film. Removal of the MCP film promises to simplify MCP fabrication and enhance the intensifier parameters related to Electro-Optical performance and image quality. This paper presents results showing for the first time that it is possible to fabricate a long lifetime image intensifier with a single unfilmed MCP and achieve improved imaging and performance characteristics.

Citation Download Citation

Joseph P. Estrera, Edward J. Bender, A. Giordana, John W. Glesener, Mike J. Iosue, P. P. Lin, and Timothy W. Sinor "Long lifetime generation IV image intensifiers with unfilmed microchannel plate", Proc. SPIE 4128, Image Intensifiers and Applications II, (3 November 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.405881

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