Extending the dynamic range of microchannel plate detectors using charge-integration-based counting

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Instrumentation
• Particle Detection

Background:

• Microchannel plate (MCP) detectors generate measurable current pulses when stimulated by particles or photons.
• High incident particle flux can significantly reduce MCP gain, degrading detector performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a parameterized model for MCP gain variation with incident flux.
• To quantify the operational limits of MCPs under high-flux conditions.

Main Methods:

• A parameterized model was developed to describe MCP gain as a function of incident flux.
• Model predictions were validated against laboratory measurements using a pulsed charged particle beam.
• MCP output current integration was explored for pulsed operation.

Main Results:

• The developed model accurately predicts MCP gain reduction under high flux.
• Laboratory experiments confirmed the model's predictions.
• Integration of MCP output current achieved effective count rates up to approximately 1 GHz.

Conclusions:

• The parameterized model provides a framework for understanding high-flux MCP limitations.
• Effective count rates can be increased by over an order of magnitude compared to conventional techniques.
• This advancement is crucial for spaceflight applications requiring high-rate particle detection.