Position- and time-sensitive single photon detector with delay-line readout

Abstract

We have developed an image intensifier tube with delay-line anode for time- and position-sensitive detection of single photons. By combining two well-approved techniques, the helical-wire delay-line readout for single particle detection and the production capability for large-format sealed photo-multiplier tubes with microchannel-plates, it is possible to build single photon sensors with 40 and 75 mm diameter. Applications are found wherever precise time tagging (< 1 ns) in combination with high position resolution (1000×1000 pixel) for single photon detection is of equal importance. Due to the low background this technique is especially suited for imaging at very low light intensity or for “3d” imaging and timing applications such as fluorescence microscopy or coincident photon detection experiments. We present the performance of prototype detectors with 75 mm low-noise S-20 and 40 mm S-20 red-enhanced photo-cathodes.