How Does a Microchannel Plate (MCP) Work?
When an input particle strikes the channel surface of the microchannel plate (MCP), it triggers an electron cascade inside millions of microscopic channels—amplifying even the smallest signals with incredible speed and precision.
When an input particle strikes the channel surface, 2–3 secondary electrons are released.
These electrons are accelerated down the channel by the voltage applied across the plate (900–1800 V). They repeatedly strike the channel wall generating more electrons.
This process results in a multiplication effect until 107 – 108 electrons exit the channel and are collected by the anode.
This signal can then be easily read by the electronics of the mass spectrometer or other instrument.
What Are Some Applications for MCPs?
MCPs amplify faint photon signals, enabling:
• XUV and soft X-ray spectroscopy
• Sub-nanosecond plasma imaging
• High-sensitivity time-of-flight diagnostics
About Photonis
Photonis is a leading product brand of Exosens, a high-tech company with more than 85 years of experience in the innovation, development, manufacture, and sale of high-end electro-optical technologies. Photonis offers photo-detection and low-light-conditions imaging solutions for extremely demanding environments. Applications for the company’s products include Defense & Security, Nuclear Safety, Life Sciences & Environment, and Industrial Control & Non-Destructive Testing. The Photonis brand is internationally recognized as a major innovator in its fields with production and R&D sites in Europe and North America.
To request more information or a quotation for Photonis products, contact IL Photonics.