Optimizing photon capture: advancements in amorphous silicon-based microchannel plates
Microchannel plates are electron multipliers widely used in applications such as particle detection, imaging, or mass spectrometry and are often paired with a photocathode to enable photon detection. Conventional microchannel plates, made of glass fibers, face limitations in manufacturing flexibility and integration with electronic readouts. Hydrogenated amorphous silicon-based microchannel plates offer a compelling alternative and provide unique advantages in these areas. Here, we report on the characterization of the time resolution of amorphous silicon-based microchannel plates. Using high photoelectron flux and an amplifier, we measured a time resolution of (4.6 ± 0.1) ps, while at lower fluxes, the arrival time uncertainty increased to (12.6 ± 0.2) ps. By minimizing the distance between the detector and a low-noise amplifier, we achieved a time resolution of (6.1 ± 0.2) ps even at low fluxes, demonstrating the exceptional timing capabilities of these detectors. Furthermore, we developed a new detector generation with funnel-shaped channel openings, increasing the active area to 95% and with simulated electron detection efficiency over 92%. Preliminary testing shows promising results, though challenges remain in single-particle detection. These findings highlight the potential of amorphous silicon-based microchannel plates for applications requiring high temporal resolution and detection efficiency.
2-s2.0-105003266136
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
University of Bern
University of Bern
ONERA Office National d'Etudes et Recherches Aerospatiales
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
2025-12-01
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EPFL