Multilayer anode with crossed serpentine delay lines for high spatial resolution readout of microchannel plate detectors

We have designed, built, and tested the first successful imaging microchannel plate (MCP) detector that uses two crossed, printed circuit, serpentine delay lines, one stacked above the other in a three-dimensional architecture. Laser ablation machining is used to cut slots that allow delay lines in two layers parallel to the MCP to sample and read out x and y image positions. previous readouts that use delay line timing to read out both dimensions of an image employ a wire-wound anode. The goal of this readout is to provide as many picture elements (pixels) as possible in two dimensions, with high temporal resolution, high throughput, high dynamic range, and good spatial linearity. This detector achieves this goal with off-the-shelf electronics and is robust for space flight. The full width half maximum (FWHM) spatial resolution is 32 mu m at the center of the detector and is typically <35 mu m throughout the detector. The rms linearity is 40 mu m in each readout dimension, after applying only radial corrections for fringe field effects near the perimeter, and <20 mu m after applying additional simple (one-dimensional) corrections. Throughput for 10% coincidence loss is limited by the measured baseline settling time to 4x10(5) s(-1), but the current electronics limit is 1.1x10(5) s(-1). The walk characteristics of the detector are described. We discuss fabrication techniques, application to space-based astronomy use, and design modifications to improve performance. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physics.