A simple model for microchannel plate output with applications to x-ray diagnostics

Summary form only given. Microchannel plates (MCPs) are an essential component in an imaging diagnostic known as an X-ray framing camera, which is used extensively to image the plasma produced by radiation imploded targets at facilities such as NIF, Nike, Omega, and Z. An MCP is used to convert incident X-ray photons into electrons with gains of the order 10² to 10⁴. These electrons are then accelerated into a phosphor screen that produces a visible light image, which can then be captured by film or CCD. A variety of parameters, such as MCP photocathode material type (e.g., Au, Ni, CsI), photocathode coating depth, and MCP bias angle, affect the gain and gain variations in the MCP electron output. We present initial results of a simple 3D MCP output model along with an experimental comparison; in addition to exploring several techniques for increasing MCP gain and reducing gain variations