Calculation of the output charge cloud from a microchannel plate
Citation
Price, G.J., & Fraser, G.W. (2001). Calculation of the output charge cloud from a microchannel plate. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 474(1), 188–196.
Keywords
- Monte Carlo model
- Electron avalanche
- Microchannel plate
Brief
A two-dimensional Monte Carlo model was developed by researchers to simulate the electron avalanche process in a single microchannel to examine the effects of current saturation and output electrode geometries of microchannel plates (MCP).
Summary
This 2001 article from Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, authored by G.J. Price and G.W. Fraser, details a two-dimensional Monte Carlo model of the electron avalanche process within a single microchannel of a microchannel plate (MCP) detector. The model aims to simulate the energy distribution (EDOE) and angular distribution (ADOE) of output electrons, factors crucial for understanding the performance of MCP detectors.
The authors validate their model by comparing it to existing experimental data. This data covers the effects of MCP operating parameters like bias voltage, input current, and electrode design on the EDOE and ADOE. The model demonstrates good agreement with experimental findings, particularly in predicting the broadening of the ADOE with increasing bias voltage and the suppression of high-energy electrons in the EDOE due to electrode "endspoiling".
Beyond validation, the authors employ their model to explore the potential of novel output electrode geometries, specifically an electron lens design intended to narrow the ADOE for enhanced detector resolution. However, simulations indicate that this particular lens design does not yield a discernible focusing effect.