Imaging detectors for FUV and EUV wavelengths

Abstract

Abstract Microchannel plate (MCP) detectors are currently the detectors of choice for astrophysical imaging and spectroscopy in the wavelength range 50–2000A. In this paper, we first describe alternative detectors for the EUV and FUV bands. In particular, we consider the extent to which back-illuminated Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) may, in theory or in practice, replace MCPs in future satellite missions. We then report on a number of recent channel plate investigations of relevance to “open window” photon detection. These include : the study of fixed pattern noise sources ; the use of channel plates with square pores for simultaneously high spatial resolution and high quantum efficiency; the measurement of linear polarisation sensitivity in MCPs and their alkali halide photocathodes and, finally, the modelling of channel plate gain response to intense, spatially non-uniform illumination.