Technical
Brief #3- Spatial Resolution
An important performance parameter
of the Microchannel Plate (MCP) is spatial resolution. The ability
of a microchannel plate to spatially resolve two adjacent events
is called the limiting resolution.
The limiting resolution of a microchannel
plate is ultimately dictated by the channel pitch, sometimes
referred to as the center-to-center spacing. MCPs are typically
fabricated with channel pitches ranging from 6 to 32 microns.
Limiting resolution is characterized
in terms of line pairs per millimeter. Figure 1 indicates the
relationship between channel pitch and limiting resolution.
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Figure 1
The limiting resolution of a detector
system can be affected by parameters other than those dictated
by the microchannel plate. The spacing and field strength between
the output side of the microchannel plate and the readout device
must be optimized in order to preserve the maximum resolution
of the detector. In addition, the input events to be imaged
must be properly focused on the detector input side.
The spatial resolution of an MCP
detector may be optimized through the use of small pore microchannel
plates and deep output electrode endspoiling.
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