Performance characteristics of a new high-gain imaging array

A chevron channel electron multiplier is a device that combines the high pulse-saturated electron gain capabilities of a single channeltron with the imaging capabilities of microchannel arrays. The chevron is made from two microchannel plates, each of which is sliced so that the channel axis is at an angle with the array axis. The two arrays are then joined to form an array of channels, each with a bend along its length. Pulse-saturated gains of more than 10⁷have been achieved without ion feedback; dark counts less than 10 counts/cm²/s have been observed; a Gaussian gain distribution is produced with 100% width at half maximum; unsaturated output current capabilities are in the 10^-6A/cm²range or 3 × 10⁵counts/s at 2 × 10⁷gain; and limiting resolution capabilitiies are 5 lp/mm. These devices can be exposed to air without harm to the multiplying surface. Imaging areas over two inches in diameter are possible. The Bendix channeltron glasses are sensitive to ultraviolet and soft x-ray photons, electrons, beta particles, and ions.