Using pulse shape analysis to improve the position resolution of a resistive anode microchannel plate detector

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that combining charge division and risetime analysis with digital signal processing significantly enhances the position resolution of resistive anode MCP detectors from 170 μm to 92 μm (FWHM).

Contribution

The study introduces a joint charge division and risetime analysis approach using digital processing to improve MCP detector position resolution beyond traditional methods.

Findings

Achieved 92 μm (FWHM) position resolution with joint analysis.

Improved intrinsic resolution to 64 μm (FMHM).

Demonstrated effectiveness of digital signal processing in detector resolution enhancement.

Abstract

Digital signal processing techniques were employed to investigate the joint use of charge division and risetime analyses for the resistive anode (RA) coupled to a microchannel plate detector (MCP). In contrast to the typical approach of using the relative charge at each corner of the RA, this joint approach results in a significantly improved position resolution. A conventional charge division analysis utilizing analog signal processing provides a position measured resolution of 170 $\mu$m (FWHM). By using the correlation between risetime and position we were able to obtain a measured resolution of 92 $\mu$m (FWHM), corresponding to an intrinsic resolution of 64 $\mu$m (FMHM) for a single Z-stack MCP detector.