Abstract: A microchannel phosphor screen for converting radiation, such as X-rays, into visible light. The screen includes a planar surface, which can be formed from glass, silicon or metal, which has etched therein a multiplicity of closely spaced microchannels having diameters of the order of 40 microns or less. Deposited within each of the microchannels is a multiplicity of phosphors which emit light when acted upon by radiation. The dimensions of the microchannel and the phosphors and the relationship between the microchannels and the phosphors is optimized so that the light output compares favorably with lower resolution non microchannel based scintillation screens. A photomultiplier can be integrated with the X-ray detector so as to provide an enhanced output for use with low level X-ray of for cine or fluoroscopy applications.

Abstract: A composite phosphor screen for converting radiation, such as X-rays, into visible light. The screen includes a planar surface, which can be formed from glass, silicon or metal, which has etched therein a multiplicity of closely spaced microchannels having diameters of the order of 10 microns or less. Deposited within each of the microchannels is a multiplicity of phosphors which emit light when acted upon by radiation. A photomultiplier, which may be microchannel based, is integrated with the X-ray detector so as to provide an enhanced output for use with low level X-ray of for cine or fluoroscopy applications. The walls of the microchannels and/or the substrate surfaces include dielectric stack based light reflective coatings.

Abstract: Methodology for providing a smooth, thin, highly reflective coating to the walls of microchannels disposed in a plate or substrate. Such plates are commonly used in image intensifiers and have more recently been used to provide high resolution X-ray imaging screens. In the process silver nitrate solution is reacted so as to provide a silver amine complex. In a first embodiment of the process, the microchannel plates are disposed vertically in a beaker and immersed, without stirring, in a solution including the silver amine complex and a reducing agent. In a second embodiment of the process, a fluid flow of filtered reactant is directed through the microchannels. In each embodiment the walls of the microchannels become plated with a highly reflective (>90%), thin (20-50nm) and smooth coating of metallic silver.