MCP detector development for UV space missions

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development of UV-sensitive MCP detectors with high efficiency and resolution for space missions, focusing on photocathode growth, sealing challenges, and electronics development.

Contribution

It introduces a novel UV-MCP detector design with GaN photocathodes, addressing growth and sealing challenges for space applications.

Findings

Successful development of a detector concept and experimental setup

Progress in photocathode growth and sealing techniques

Advancements in readout electronics for UV detection

Abstract

We are developing imaging and photon counting UV-MCP detectors, which are sensitive in the wavelength range from far ultraviolet to near ultraviolet. A good quantum efficiency, solar blindness and high spatial resolution is the aim of our development. The sealed detector has a Cs-activated photoactive layer of GaN (or similarly advanced photocathode), which is operated in semitransparent mode on (001)-MgF 2 . The detector comprises a stack of two long-life MCPs and a coplanar cross strip anode with advanced readout electronics. The main challenge is the flawless growth of the GaN photocathode layer as well as the requirements for the sealing of the detector, to prevent a degradation of the photocathode. We present here the detector concept and the experimental setup, examine in detail the status in the production and describe the current status of the readout electronics development.