Status and Development of High Spatial Resolution Microchannel Plate

Microchannel plates (MCP) are the core components of super GEN Ⅱ and GEN Ⅲ low-light-level image intensifiers. The spatial resolution has a significant effect on the resolution, transmission, and halo performance of low-light-level image intensifiers. The research results at home and abroad are reviewed based on the new technology development of the MCP used by the most advanced super GEN Ⅱ and GEN Ⅲ intensifiers. The specific performance requirements of advanced image intensifiers for the high spatial resolution of microchannel plates are verified by a systematic analysis of the three stages of photon input to the MCP surface, MCP electron multiplication, and multiplication electron image output in the imaging process of the image intensifier. The development trends of domestic MCP is put forward: the MCP with an aperture of 5 μm, an opening area ratio of approximately 70% and optimized output electrode will be developed and applied in batch in the next few years. The MCP applied to the super GEN Ⅱ image intensifier needs to conduct research on new technologies such as a small aperture funnel MCP technology and electron deceleration film, so that the MCP opening area ratio can reach more than 90% and the modulation transfer function and contrast performance of the image intensifier can be significantly improved. MCP with a low outgassing and low ion feedback are needed in the research to support the unfilmed GEN Ⅲ, which can inhibit Halo and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Based on the unfilmed intensifier, the funnel MCP technology, input enhancement film technology, and electron deceleration film technology have the potential to be used in GEN Ⅲ intensifier.