High-resolution imaging x-ray detector

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Abstract
We describe an x‐ray detector using microchannel plates as a photocathode surface and imaging photoelectron multiplier, and a crossed wire grid as a two‐dimensional position‐sensitive detector. The position resolution is σ=10 μ. The crossed wire grid consists of 100‐μ‐diam wires on 200‐μ centers. Position sensing is accomplished by electronic interpolation to 1/20 of the wire spacing. The quantum efficiency of the microchannel plates varies from 29% at 0.28 keV to 5% at 3 keV. This detector will provide second‐of‐arc x‐ray imaging in the focal plane of the 342.9‐cm focal length grazing incidence telescope now being prepared for the HEAO‐B observatory. By addition of suitable photocathodes, it can be used for single‐photon imaging light detection in uv, visible, and near ir as well. In all cases, it gives a very low dark counting rate, allows timing of individual events to 1 μsec or less, and can handle counting rates up to 104 sec−1.

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