Abstract
This chapter describes the development of the continuous-dynode electron multiplier and its evolution into the microchannel plate (MCP). The fabrication procedures for MCPs are described and the performance characteristics of MCPs and MCP stacks are enumerated. The configurations and performances of imaging MCP electronic readout systems currently in use in space instruments are described in detail. The unique capabilities of MCP electronic systems for fast timing and for time-tag imaging are listed. Finally, the prospects for the development of the next generation of MCPs are briefly outlined.
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Notes
- 1.
The progression of MCP manufacturers in Europe and the USA requires clarification in order to avoid confusion. In Europe, Philips closed the Mullard MCP fabrication facility in the UK in 1988 and moved MCP fabrication to Photonis in Brive, France. Photonis became independent of Philips in 1998. In the USA, Bendix Research Laboratories in Ann Arbor, Michigan transferred to Galileo Electro-Optics Corporation (GEOC), Sturbridge, Massachusetts in 1972. In 1999 GEOC was purchased by Burle Industries and became Burle Electro Optics. In 2005 Burle Electro Optics was purchased by Photonis and is currently Photonis USA.
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Timothy, J.G. (2013). Microchannel plates for photon detection and imaging in space. In: Huber, M.C.E., Pauluhn, A., Culhane, J.L., Timothy, J.G., Wilhelm, K., Zehnder, A. (eds) Observing Photons in Space. ISSI Scientific Report Series, vol 9. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7804-1_22
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