High accuracy position response calibration method for a micro-channel plate ion detector

TL;DR

This paper introduces a high-accuracy calibration method for a micro-channel plate ion detector, significantly improving position resolution and reducing systematic errors in nuclear physics experiments.

Contribution

A novel in situ calibration technique for MCP detectors that achieves 8 μm accuracy and 85 μm resolution, enhancing measurement precision in AMO and nuclear physics.

Findings

Achieved 8 μm calibration accuracy.

Resolved differences in response to high-energy alpha particles and low-energy ions.

Enhanced detector performance reduces systematic uncertainties.

Abstract

We have developed a position response calibration method for a micro-channel plate (MCP) detector with a delay-line anode position readout scheme. Using an {\em in situ} calibration mask, an accuracy of 8~$\mu$m and a resolution of 85~$\mu$m (FWHM) have been achieved for MeV-scale $\alpha$ particles and ions with energies of $\sim$10~keV. At this level of accuracy, the difference between the MCP position responses to high-energy $\alpha$ particles and low-energy ions is significant. The improved performance of the MCP detector can find applications in many fields of AMO and nuclear physics. In our case, it helps reducing systematic uncertainties in a high-precision nuclear $\beta$-decay experiment.