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

Author Affiliations +

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

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