MicroPattern Gas Detectors with pixel read-out

MicroPattern Gas Detectors are position-sensitive proportional counters whose sense electrodes are constructed using microelectronics, thin-film or advanced PCB techniques. The feature size attainable using these methods is of the order of a few microns and the detectors show excellent spatial resolution and fast charge collection. The real challenge with this class of detectors is the design of the read-out system which should not spoil the intrinsic performance of the devices. The most promising approach is the coupling of a pixelized collection anode and read-out system to the gas amplifying stage. We will discuss this principle and we will show examples of practical implementations in the field of X-ray Astronomy and Plasma Imaging.