X-ray photocathodes for image intensifiers and large area thick window detectors

Abstract

This investigation consists of three parts. In the first one, the photoelectric yield for Pb-doped glass, W, Be, Al, CsI, and for CaF 2 was measured in the spectral region between 0.452 and 4.52 keV. Inthe second part a laboratory model of an X-ray image intensifier (or X-ray image converter, or X-ray image enlarger) utilizing a “Bendix” Channeltron electron multiplier array in proximity focus with an X-ray photocathode, a “Shibaden” vidicon, and a TV monitor, has been evaluated. The system provides both high efficiency and good spatial resolution. Finally, in the third part, a large area thick window detector for soft X-ray radiation has been constructed and tested. In this detector, the window acts as a phohotocathode; the photoelectrons are counted by a “SEM-4219” electron multiplier. The system is ideal for applications where no energy resolution is required and weight and power consumption are restricted.