High collection efficiency MCPs for photon counting detectors

TL;DR

This paper introduces high collection efficiency MCPs for photon counting detectors, significantly increasing detection efficiency with minimal impact on timing resolution, beneficial for applications not requiring sub-nanosecond precision.

Contribution

Development and characterization of Hi-CE MCPs that nearly double detection efficiency compared to conventional MCPs.

Findings

Over 90% photoelectron detection efficiency achieved

Small degradation in transfer time spread observed

Potential for nearly doubling detection efficiency in relevant applications

Abstract

Multi Micro-Channel-Plate Photomultiplier tubes (MCP-PMT) with High Collection Efficiency (Hi-CE) MCPs are developed and characterised. With these Hi-CE MCPs more than 90% of photoelectrons emitted from the photocathode can be detected; this is in contrast to conventional MCPs where about 50% of photoelectrons are lost at the MCP stage. The drawback of the Hi-CE MCPs is a small degradation of the transfer time spread (TTS). However for applications where no sub-ns time resolution is required the implementation of Hi-CE MCPs is extremely beneficial, as it improves the detection efficiency of the MCP-PMT almost by a factor of two.