Two-dimensional time-resolved imaging with 100-ps resolution using a resistive anode photomultiplier tube

Abstract

A two-dimensional microchannel plate photomultiplier with a position sensitive resistive anode has been integrated with time-correlated single photon counting circuitry. The result is a very powerful spectroscopic system which combines the very low dark count and parallel collection capabilities of the imaging tube with simultaneous timing information about the individual photon events. The digital x,y and timing information for each photon event is directly stored onto a hard-disk in real time. When the detector is placed at the output of a spectrometer, the system provides software-controllable arbitrary time windowing of complete spectra. When used as an image recorder, the system provides software-controllable time windowing of entire two-dimensional images, with ∼100-ps effective frame times.