Wedge and strip image readout systems for photon-counting detectors in space astronomy

Abstract

We discuss the application of wedge and strip anodes to photon-counting microchannel plate detector systems for the extreme and far ultraviolet. Performance data, obtained as a result of calibration of the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) [ Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instrum. Eng.279, 176 ( 1981)] satellite detectors (open face) and the FAUST–Spacelab [ Space Sci. Instrum.5, 21 ( 1979)] far-ultraviolet sensors (sealed tube), are presented. We have achieved CsI quantum detection efficiencies of ~80% at 114 Å and ~40% at 600 and 1300 Å that we believe to be the highest ever obtained. Position sensitivity of <10 μm is demonstrated, and the position resolution, image linearity, background rate, and flat-field characteristics are discussed.