A large area MCP detector for X-ray imaging

We report on the X-ray performance of an imaging detector utilising a pair of 100 mm by 100 mm square microchannel plates. Gain and spatial uniformity are described, as are the imaging characteristics of the detector which uses a large format resistive anode readout. We also report on the uniformity of the quantum efficiency of the detector coated with a CsI photocathode. Background noise count rates are compared for 100 mm by 100 mm square microchannel plates manufactured from “standard” and radioisotope free glasses. Application of the large are detector to non-astronomy research, including imaging of “Lobster-Eye” type lenses and beta autoradiography are discussed.