Title :
Microchannel plates at high rates - the challenges for future space plasma missions
Author_Institution :
Milliard Space Sci. Lab., Univ. Coll. London
Abstract :
The rate performance of microchannel plates (MCPs) used in the PEACE instruments of the Cluster and Double Star mission is discussed. MCPs are currently the preferred sensor element for the detection of low energy (~0 to 30 keV) electrons and ions in space plasma instruments. Low resistance plates have recently been tested for pulse height distribution and an increase in the rate handling by a factor of three have been achieved. However, for future applications, a factor of more than 25 will be required
Keywords :
aerospace instrumentation; astrophysical plasma; electrical resistivity; electron detection; image sensors; microchannel plates; microelectrodes; plasma diagnostics; Cluster mission; Double Star mission; MCP; PEACE instruments; low energy electron detection; low energy ion detection; low resistance plates; microchannel plates; pulse height distribution; rate handling; rate performance; sensor element; space plasma instruments; space plasma mission; Detectors; Electrons; Electrostatic analysis; Instruments; Microchannel; Nuclear and plasma sciences; Plasma applications; Space missions; Space technology; Testing;
Conference_Titel :
Vacuum Nanoelectronics Conference, 2005. IVNC 2005. Technical Digest of the 18th International
Conference_Location :
Oxford
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-8397-4
DOI :
10.1109/IVNC.2005.1619497
