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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1984

Absolute and angular efficiencies of a microchannel-plate position-sensitive detector

This paper presents a characterization of a commercially available position-sensitive detector of energetic ions and neutrals. The detector consists of two microchannel plates followed by a resistive position-encoding anode. The work includes measurement of absolute efficiencies of H(+), He(+), and O(+) ions in the energy range between 250 and 5000 eV, measurement of relative detection efficiencies as a function of particle impact angle, and a simple method for accurate measurement of the time at which a particle strikes the detector.

Gao, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Investigation of large format microchannel plate Z configurations

The performance of triplet (Z) stacks of microchannel plates (MCPs) has been studied as a part of the instrument development for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) satellite mission. Relatively large MCPs with a 60-mm diameter and having a large 80:1 channel length to diameter (L:D) ratio were used in several configurations. The MCPs were used in the EUVE prototype imaging detector to provide more than 512 x 512 pixels with low image distortion (less than 1 percent). The gain and pulse height characteristics of the MCPs were examined, showing that both high gains (more than 2 x 10 to the 7th) and tight output pulse height distributions (less than 30 percent FWHM) may be achieved. Simple distribution techniques have also allowed low intrinsic background event rates (less than 0.15 events per sq cm/s) to be obtained. Variation of the quantum efficiency of the MCPs over the wavelength range 160-1216 A has been investigated for a range of angles of incidence. The effect of temperature variations on MCP operating characteristics has also been evaluated.

Siegmund, O. H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Operation of a microchannel plate counting system in a mass spectrometer

A multiplier detector system has been developed as part of a mass spectrometer in an ion counting mode. During its operation ions striking a microchannel plate release pulses of electrons which are accelerated to a phosphor layer. The resulting flash of light is carried by a fiber-optic bundle to a photodiode array. The detector simultaneously counts ions throughout a mass spectrum covering more than 30 amu. It extends the mass spectrometer's operation toward low count rates for trace gas analysis. Each mass peak can be independently measured at count rates between 0.1 and 1000 counts/s. Higher rates on a few peaks do not blind the entire detector. The detector's capabilities have been demonstrated by measuring Kr and Xe isotopes in air at natural abundances. The mass spectrometer, detector, and readout electronics are sufficiently compact to permit use in a balloon-borne experiment.

Murphy, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Persistence of phosphor glow in microchannel plate image intensifiers

Image intensifier tubes using microchannel plate amplification stages and phosphor output stages are being increasingly used in various detection applications. In this paper, measurements of the decay times of what are attributed to be the P20 phosphors in various image intensifiers are reported. It is found that the long tail on the decay curve of the phosphor following illumination can be a limitation for certain observations. In addition, the background level of phosphor glow (which is seen by the subsequent detection system as a light signal) continues to build with continuing illumination.

Torr, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The development and test of multi-anode microchannel array detector systems. Part 2: Soft X-ray detectors

Detector systems based on the high gain microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier were used extensively for imaging at soft X-ray wavelengths both on the ground and in space. The latest pulse counting electronic readout systems provide zero readout noise, spatial resolutions (FWHM) of 25 microns or better and can determine the arrival times of detected photons to an accuracy of the order of 100 ns. These systems can be developed to produce detectors with active areas of 100 nm in diameter or greater. The use of CsI photocathodes produces very high detective quantum efficiencies at wavelengths between about 100 and 1A (approximately 0.1 to 10 keV) with moderate energy resolution. The operating characteristics of the different types of soft X-ray MCP detector systems are described and the prospects for future developments are discussed.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Performance characteristics of multi-anode microchannel array detector systems

The multi-anode microchannel arrays (MAMAs) are state-of-the-art, pulse-counting, photoelectric array detectors designed specifically for use in space astrophysics instruments. The present paper provides a description of recent progress related to the development of ultraviolet and visible-light versions of the MAMA detectors, taking into account a comparison of the operating characteristics of these devices with those of photoconductive array detectors, such as the CCDs. Attention is given to MAMA detector system design parameters, the operating characteristics of MAMAs and CCDs, MAMA performance characteristics, and future developments.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The development and test of multi-anode microchannel array detector systems. Part 2: Soft X-ray detectors

Multi-Anode Microchannel Array (MAMA) detector systems with formats of 256 x 1024 pixels and active areas of 6 x 26 square mm are now under evaluation at visible, ultraviolet and soft x-ray wavelengths. Very-large-format versions of the MAMA detectors with formats of 2048 x 2048 pixels and active areas of 52 x 52 square mm are under development for use in the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). Open-structure versions of these detectors with CsI photocathodes can provide a high-resolution imaging capability at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) and soft x-ray wavelengths and can deliver a maximum count rate from each array in excess of 1 million counts s-1. In addition, these detector systems have the unique capability to determine the arrival time of a detected photon to an accuracy of 100 ns or better. The construction, mode-of-operation and performance characteristics of the MAMA detectors are described and the program for the development of the very-large-format detectors is outlined.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A new approach to large area microchannel plate manufacture

Methods of manufacture of twisted single elements as the base for producing microchannel plates (MCP) are discussed. Initial evaluations validated the off-axis channel concept and no technological roadblocks were identified which would prevent fabrication of high gain, high spatial resolution, large format MCP's using this technique. The first MP's have operated at stable gains of 3 million with pulse height resolution superior to results obtained by standard chevron MCP's.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Microchannel plates and image detection at soft X-ray wavelengths

Detector systems based on the high-gain microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier have been used extensively for imaging at soft X-ray wavelengths both on the ground and in space. The latest pulse-counting electronic readout systems provide zero readout-noise, spatial resolutions (FWM) of 25 microns or better and can determine the arrival times of detected photons to an accuracy of the order of 100 ns. These systems can br developed to produce detectors with active areas of 100 mm in diameter or greater. The use of CsI photocathodes produces very high detective quantum efficiencies to wavelengths between about 100 and 1A (0.1 to 10 keV) with moderate energy resolution. The operating characteristics of the different types of soft X-ray MCP detector systems are described, and the prospects for future developments are discussed.

Timothy, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Ultraviolet quantum detection efficiency of potassium bromide as an opaque photocathode applied to microchannel plates

The quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of potassium bromide as a photocathode applied directly to the surface of a microchannel plate over the 250-1600 A wavelength range has been measured. The contributions of the photocathode material in the channels and on the interchannel web to the QDE have been determined. Two broad peaks in the QDE centered at about 450 and about 1050 A are apparent, the former with about 50 percent peak QDE and the latter with about 40 percent peak QDE. The photoelectric threshold is observed at about 1600 A, and there is a narrow QDE minimum at about 750 A which correlates with 2X the band gap energy for KBr. The angular variation of the QDE from 0 to 40 deg to the channnel axis has also been examined. The stability of Kbr with time is shown to be good with no significant degradation of QDE at wavelengths below 1216 A over a 15-day period in air.

Siegmund, Oswald H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Calibration of photon counting imaging microchannel plate detectors for EUV astronomy

The calibration of photon counting imaging detectors for satellite based EUV astronomy is a complex process designed to ensure the validity of the data received 'in orbit'. The methods developed to accomplish calibration of microchannel plate detectors for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer are described and illustrated. The characterization of these detectors can be subdivided into three categories: stabilization, performance tests, and environmental tests.

Siegmund, O. H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Imaging at soft X-ray wavelengths with high-gain microchannel plate detector systems

Multianode microchannel array (MAMA) detector systems with formats of 256 x 1024 pixels and active areas of 6 x 26 mm are now under evaluation at visible, UV and soft X-ray wavelengths. Very-large-format versions of the MAMA detectors with formats of 2048 x 2048 pixels and active areas of 52 x 52 mm are under development for use in the NASA Goddard Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS). Open-structure versions of these detectors with Cs I photocathodes can provide a high-resolution imaging capability at EUV and soft X-ray wavelengths and can deliver a maximum count rate from each array in excess of 10 to the 6th counts/s. In addition, these detector systems have the unique capability to determine the arrival time of a detected photon to an accuracy of 100 ns or better. The construction, mode of operation, and performance characteristics of the MAMA detectors are described, and the program for the development of the very-large-format detectors is outlined.

Timothy, J. Gethyn↗
NASA NTRS1987

Delay line anodes for microchannel-plate spectrometers

A photon-counting readout system for microchannel-plate spectrometers is described that uses a delay line and timing circuit for the wavelength coordinate and a wedge-wedge charge division system for the orthogonal spatial coordinate. A novel zigzag layout allows these two anode patterns to coexist on a common planar substrate and share the charge from each photoevent, thereby simultaneously localizing the photon in each of its two dimensions. Unlike wedge-and-strip or resistive anode encoders, the delay line offers a spatial resolution that is relatively independent of the format length. Unlike discrete anode systems, the delay line readout system's complexity is also independent of the field of view size. These facts make the delay line readout system advantageous in large format detectors. A testbed detector having a delay line propagation speed of 2.2 mm/ns and a time resolution of 33 ps FWHM has been assembled. Ultraviolet testing shows a Gaussian event distribution having a 70-micron FWHM width; the readout system blur contribution is less than 50-micron FWHM.

Lampton, M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Background events in microchannel plates

Measurements have been made to assess the characteristics and origins of background events in microchannel plates (MCPs). An overall background rate of about 0.4 events/sq cm persec has been achieved consistently for MCPs that have been baked and scrubbed. The temperature and gain of the MCPs are found to have no significant effect on the background rate. Detection of 1.46-MeV gamma rays from the MCP glass confirms the presence of K-40, with a concentration of 0.0007 percent, in MCP glass. It is shown that beta decay from K-40 is sufficient to cause the background rate and spectrum observed. Anticoincidence measurements indicate the the background rate caused by cosmic ray interactions is small (less than 0.016 events/sq cm per sec).

Siegmund, O. H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Readout techniques for photon-counting microchannel image systems

A comparative evaluation is made of such readout methods for the microchannel plates that are commonly used in EUV, FUV, and X-ray low light level image systems as the (1) phosphor-video, (2) phosphor and binary-mask encoder, (3) direct discrete-position encoder, (4) direct analog amplitude position-encoder systems, and (5) delay-line encoders. Relative advantages and limitations are discussed in the context of low light level space-based astronomy applications. The delay-line technique offers great promise for high-resolution applications where oversampling is mandatory, as in spectroscopy.

Lampton, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1988

Extreme ultraviolet quantum efficiency of opaque alkali halide photocathodes on microchannel plates

Comprehensive measurements are presented for the quantum detection efficiency (QDE) of the microchannel plate materials CsI, KBr, KCl, and MgF2, over the 44-1800 A wavelength range. QDEs in excess of 40 percent are achieved by several materials in specific wavelength regions of the EUV. Structure is noted in the wavelength dependence of the QDE that is directly related to the valence-band/conduction-band gap energy and the onset of atomic-like resonant transitions. A simple photocathode model allows interpretation of these features, together with the QDE efficiency variation, as a function of illumination angle.

Siegmund, O. H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Charge coupled devices vs. microchannel plates in the extreme and far ultraviolet - A comparison based on the latest laboratory measurements

While microchannel plates (MCPs) have been established as imaging photon counters in the EUV and FUV for some years, CCDs are associated with low light level sensing at visible and near-IR wavelengths. Attention is presently given to recent proposals for CCDs' use as EUV and FUV detectors with quantum efficiencies sometimes exceeding those of MCPs; quantum resolution, format size, dynamic range, and long-term stability are also used as bases of comparison, for the cases of both space-based astronomical and spectroscopic applications.

Vallerga, J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Delay-Line Anode For Microchannel-Plate Spectrometer

Photon-counting read-out system for microchannel-plate spectrometer includes delay line and timing circuit to measure wavelength coordinate and wedge/wedge charge-division system to measure orthogonal spatial coordinate. System proves advantageous for portable two-dimensional spectrometers having large image planes and for which design requirements include simplicity, reliability, low power consumption, and low mass.

Lampton, M.↗