MCP detector development for UV space missions

• Published in: Astrophysics and space science 2018-04, Vol.363 (4), p.1-8, Article 63
• Main Authors: Conti, Lauro, Barnstedt, Jürgen, Hanke, Lars, Kalkuhl, Christoph, Kappelmann, Norbert, Rauch, Thomas, Stelzer, Beate, Werner, Klaus, Elsener, Hans-Rudolf, Schaadt, Daniel M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Astrobiology; Astronomy; Astrophysics; Astrophysics and Astroparticles; Cosmology; Electronics; Magnesium fluorides; Materials research; Observations and Techniques; Original Article; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum efficiency; Sensors; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space missions; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Spatial resolution; the Needs and the Means; Ultraviolet astronomy; UV Surveys
• ISSN: 0004-640X; 1572-946X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10509-018-3283-4

We are developing imaging and photon counting UV-MCP detectors, which are sensitive in the wavelength range from far ultraviolet to near ultraviolet. A good quantum efficiency, solar blindness and high spatial resolution is the aim of our development. The sealed detector has a Cs-activated photoactive layer of GaN (or similarly advanced photocathode), which is operated in semitransparent mode on (001)-MgF 2 . The detector comprises a stack of two long-life MCPs and a coplanar cross strip anode with advanced readout electronics. The main challenge is the flawless growth of the GaN photocathode layer as well as the requirements for the sealing of the detector, to prevent a degradation of the photocathode. We present here the detector concept and the experimental setup, examine in detail the status in the production and describe the current status of the readout electronics development.