Abstract: Proximity focused streak tube having a photocathode for converting photon images into photoelectrons. A phosphorous screen is provided for receiving the photoelectrons. The photocathode and the phosphorous screen define a longitudinal tube axis. A passive channel plate is provided which has a plurality of parallel bores therein. The channel plate is disposed in relatively close proximity to the photocathode and so that the bores are inclined at an angle with respect to longitudinal tube axis so as to minimize feedthrough of visible photons. A source of voltage is connected between the photocathode and the passive channel plate causing the photoelectrons to be extracted from the photocathode and to pass through the bores in the channel plate. First and second spaced apart beam electrodes are disposed between the channel plate and the phosphorous screen.

Abstract: A shutter for a proximity focused tube and camera comprising an array of stacked microchannel plates. An electrode is provided between each plate whereby an electrical field can be established across each plate. By applying a ramp voltage to alternate plates in the stacked array, the electric field across each plate deflects a photoelectron beam and allows a momentary period of transmission of the beam through the microchannels. The electrode on each plate is skewed with respect to the front and back faces of the plate whereby in-phase deflection of an electron beam is achieved. A plurality of proximity focused shutter tubes can be operated in an array and triggered from a common voltage pulse source whereby a pulse is applied in a time ordered sequence to develop related multiple frames.

Abstract: A streak camera electron-optical image tube having a passive microchannel plate collimation adjacent the photocathode whereby photoelectrons are accelerated by the field between the photocathode and microchannel plate, and collimated by the microchannels. Collimated electrons pass a pair of deflection plates and strike a phosphor screen. Accelerating voltage and deflection voltage are synchronized with phenomenon photographed.