A large area high resolution imaging detector for fast atom diffraction

TL;DR

This paper presents a high-resolution, compact imaging detector based on micro-channel plates, capable of precise measurements in fast atom diffraction experiments and surface crystallography.

Contribution

It introduces a cost-effective, high-resolution detector design using standard components suitable for surface science and diffraction studies.

Findings

Achieved 80 μm resolution limited by camera pixels.

Successfully recorded fast atom diffraction patterns and surface crystallography data.

Demonstrated compatibility with RHEED for fragile surface analysis.

Abstract

We describe a high resolution imaging detector based on a single 80 mm micro-channel-plate (MCP) and a phosphor screen mounted on a UHV flange of only 100 mm inner diameter. It relies on standard components and we describe its performance with one or two MCPs. A resolution of 80 $\mu m$ rms is observed on the beam profile. % which is limited by the camera pixel size. At low count rate, individual impact can be pinpointed with few $\mu m$ accuracy but the resolution is probably limited by the MCP channel diameter. The detector has been used to record the diffraction of fast atoms at grazing incidence on crystal surfaces (GIFAD), a technique probing the electronic density of the topmost layer only. The detector was also used to record the scattering profile during azimuthal scan of the crystal to produce triangulation curves revealing the surface crystallographic directions of molecular layers. It should also be compatible with reflection high energy electron (RHEED) experiment when fragile surfaces require a low exposure to the electron beam.