Multiple hit readout of a microchannel plate detector with a three-layer delay-line anode

We have developed a delay-line readout technique for microchannel plate detectors with an increased acceptance for multiple hit events compared to standard two-layer delay-line anodes. This technique allows unambiguous determination of arrival time and position of at least two simultaneously detected particles, and/or to detect an even larger number of particles in a shower, as long as any two particles do not arrive both at the same time and at the same position within certain limits. We demonstrate and discuss the abilities and limitations of this technique and the relevance for certain experimental tasks.