Cross delay line detectors for high time resolution astronomical polarimetry and biological fluorescence imaging

Ground based high time resolution astronomical polarimetry, imaging, and biological time-resolved molecular fluorescence lifetime imaging require specialized detectors. Photon counting detectors that combine high spatial resolution imaging with fast event timing capability for these uses have been a significant technical challenge. We have developed a high-temporal and spatial resolution, high-throughput sealed tube microchannel plate detector with electronic readout as tool for these applications. The design is based on a 25 mm diameter S20 photocathode followed by a microchannel plate stack, read out by a cross delay line anode with timing and imaging electronics. The detector supports 500 kHz global count rate, 10 kHz local count rate, 100 ps timing resolution and 40 μm spatial resolution. We describe the performance of the detector, as well as imaging results obtained with quantum dots and live cells.