Abstract: A diffuse reflectance probe is disclosed which employs in an exemplary embodiment, fiberoptic light transmitting elements and a light pipe for collecting light. The fiberoptic light transmitting elements surround the light pipe and a window having a beveled surface communicates with the light transmitting fiberoptics to direct illuminating radiation in a relatively large field of view in a close working distance with the probe.

Abstract: A method of making a polyimide coated heavy metal fluorinated fiber includes the steps of drawing an optical fiber through a low-temperature curing polyimide solution to form a polyimide coating which cures in a range of about 200.degree. and 390.degree. C. A low curing temperature enables a low temperature profile to be used for curing the coating. The low-temperature curing conditions provide a maximum fiber exposure temperature above the glass transition temperature of the fiber but minimize crystallization of the fiber during curing. The method is also applicable to chalcogenide fibers which carry optical signals in the infrared region.

Abstract: In an image conduit, an annular glass cylinder surrounding an imaging bundle is employed to act as an illumination conduit. The illumination conduit may be a single annular light guiding structure or it may be a multilayer structure or a ring of fibers optically separated from the imaging bundle. The illumination conduit may be provided with a layers of lower index cladding glass to confine the light in an intermediate core. Alternatively, the bottle cladding may be a reflective coating deposited on the outside of the bottle after drawing.

Abstract: Manufacture of a microchannel plate may be improved using photoelectrochemical etching and thin film activation such as CVD and nitriding and oxidizing wall surface portions of pores formed in the substrate. The pore pattern may be changed by oxidizing and etching the substrate prior to activation.

Abstract: The invention employs a reverse biased zener diode in the output circuit of a single stage or multistage electron multiplier. In a multistage device, a bypass resistor is employed between stages for increasing the bias current in downstream stages which operates at reduced potential whereby power dissipation is minimized.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector of reduced size employs a flexible multilayer printed circuit board as a lead assembly and enjoys increased ease of assembly and improved versatility.

Abstract: A low noise ion detector has reflective parts coated for absorbing stray photon and neutral particles.

Abstract: A continuous thin film dynode includes a substrate with at least one channel having a channel wall, an isolation layer overlying the channel wall, and a thin film overlying the isolation layer. The thin film includes a current carrying portion and an electron emissive portion overlying the current carrying portion. The electron emissive portion is essentially free of a material which is silica-rich, alkali-rich, and lead-poor. The current carrying portion is essentially free of a material which is lead-rich.

Abstract: Optical waveguide array imaging devices have a darkened surface layer in the cladding portion. The imaging devices of the invention have high contrast which is generally independent of pathlength. A method for contrast enhancement in such arrays is disclosed.

Abstract: An FOFP has a darkened surface layer in the cladding portion to reduce cross-talk. One embodiment has an intagliated surface with darkened cavity walls. Darkening is achieved on a finished piece without further reworking. The surface is substantially free of fluorescence and is substantially non-conductive.

Abstract: A microchannel plate and method is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the microchannel plate is a water of anisotropically etchable material having been subjected to a directionally applied flux of reactive particles against at least one face of the wafer in selected areas corresponding to microchannel locations. The flux removes material from the selected areas to produce microchannels in the wafer in accordance with the directionality of the applied flux.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a probe operative in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum for in situ sensing of the absorption of IR energy in a sample. The probe comprises an attenuated total reflection (ATR) element having an input end and an output end for respectively receiving IR and transmitting attenuated IR. The ATR element has wall portions disposed about a central or long axis thereof for reflecting IR energy transverse to the central axis. A bundle of infrared transmitting fibers is located at the input end of the ATR element for transmitting and receiving IR energy into and out of the element. The fibers have end faces proximate the ATR element lying in a plane perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: A conductively cooled microchannel plate is disclosed. Cooling is achieved by placing an active face of the MCP in thermal contact with a thermally conductive substrate for dissipating joule heating.

Abstract: The photorefractive effect results in a change in the refractive index of bulk chalcogenide glass when it is exposed to certain wavelengths of light, in particular, sub-band-gap light. The effect results in a variety of device structures including a fiber optic faceplate; an optical waveguide; a fiber tap; a lens and a Bragg grating. Methods for fabricating the various devices are described.

Abstract: A parallel plate electron multiplier employing active dynode surfaces in confronting spaced relationship for effecting electron multiplication between the input and the output thereof in the active dynode area. Electron multiplication occurs in response to an accelerating biasing field extending between the input and the output. Electrostatic elements laterally of the dynode area establish lateral biasing fields in a direction transverse of the dynodes for containing electrons in the dynode area and for attracting positively charged species away from the dynode area in order to reduce spurious signals.

Abstract: Microchannel plates (MCPs) and channel electron multipliers (CEMs) having channels etched by a directionally applied flux of reactive particles are disclosed. The channels are activated with thin film dynodes. Various embodiments including monolithic and stacked devices are disclosed. Activation of the channels is achieved by various techniques including CVD, LPD and native growth by oxidation.

Abstract: A modular channel electron multiplier mounting arrangement for an analytical instrument, which reduces the labor required for assembly and, at the same time, results in a more rigid structure with lower susceptibility to microphonic noise has been developed. A circuit board and an attached end support has slotted portions for engaging support studs on the instrument. A channel electron multiplier is mounted on the circuit board by means of supporting hardware. Printed circuit wiring on the circuit board carries signal and high voltage to receptacles on the circuit board which when installed in the instrument are aligned for securely engaging leads in the instrument. The end support and the receptacles rigidly support the assembly in the instrument such that microphonics noise is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The photorefractive effect results in a change in the refractive index of bulk chalcogenide glass when it is exposed to certain wavelengths of light, in particular, sub-band-gap light. The effect results in a variety of device structures including a fiber optic faceplate; an optical waveguide; a fiber tap; a lens and a Bragg grating. Methods for fabricating the various devices are described.

Abstract: An optical signal channel selection device which includes a plurality of first fixed optical signal channels for transmitting optical signals along a plurality of first parallel optical axes and a second fixed optical signal channel for transmitting optical signals along a second optical channel axis parallel to the first axes. A pair of reflective surfaces are fixed so as to be parallel to each other, the reflective surfaces being movable between the first optical channels and the second optical channel so that a first one of the reflective surfaces can be selectively positioned opposite selected ones of the first signal channels and the second reflective surface is positioned opposite the second signal channel. An input optical signal from a selected one of the first channels is incident on the first reflective surface and is directed toward the second reflective surfaces so as to be reflected therefrom in parallel with the input optical signal.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector of reduced size employs a flexible multilayer printed circuit board as a lead assembly and enjoys increased ease of assembly and improved versatility.