Microchannel Plate Hard X-Ray Imaging Detector

72793S03-I Hard X-ray (10 to 250 keV) imaging detection, used in nuclear physics experiments, requires very high (~20 micron) spatial and timing (~1 ns) resolution in a large format (several hundred cm2), very low background noise, high dynamic range, radiation hardness, and compatibility with direct digital readout options. This project will develop improvements to conventional glass microchannel plate (MCP) detector technology, leading to a hard X-ray detector with significantly enhanced imaging power. Specifically, thicker MCPs will be fabricated using a unique square channel geometry and an MCP matrix glass of high lead content. Phase I will fabricate the unique square channel MCP geometry, followed by comprehensive X-ray testing and comparison against the full range of conventional commercial MCP technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by awardee: Compact hard X-ray sensitive MCP technology should extend the power of industrial radiography, allow portable field radiography devices, and also be applicable to X-ray diffraction and scattering studies, surface analysis, medicine, and counterterrorism.