Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying an object, the object having at least a non-opaque portion, including a light source, an optical detector and a backing measurement apparatus, the light source for illuminating the object, the optical detector for acquiring information at least relating to at least one chromatic characteristic of the non-opaque portion, the backing measurement apparatus including a backing material, a backing support and a plurality of rollers, the backing material exhibiting at least one of determined chromatic characteristics and determined optical characteristics, the backing support for supporting the backing material, the plurality of rollers for rolling the backing material over the backing support, wherein light emitted by the light source optically interacts with the backing material consistently through the non-opaque portion.

Abstract: A conveying apparatus for conveying an object, the object having at least a non-opaque portion, including a light source, an optical detector and a backing measurement apparatus, the light source for illuminating the object, the optical detector for acquiring information at least relating to at least one chromatic characteristic of the non-opaque portion, the backing measurement apparatus including a backing material, a backing support and a plurality of rollers, the backing material exhibiting at least one of determined chromatic characteristics and determined optical characteristics, the backing support for supporting the backing material, the plurality of rollers for rolling the backing material over the backing support, wherein light emitted by the light source optically interacts with the backing material consistently through the non-opaque portion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a discrete dynode electron multiplier includes employing micromachining and thin film techniques to produce tapered apertures in an etchable substrate, bonding the substrates together and activating the internal surfaces of the etched substrate using chemical vapor deposition or oxidizing and nitriding techniques.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for constructing a completely micromachined MCP that is activated with thin-film dynodes wherein the interchannel regions are first dry etched in the substrate, resulting in channel pillars. The etched portions of the substrate are then back filled and the channel pillars are thereafter removed to produce a micromachined perforated microchannel plate. The technique may be employed to produce an active element for an integrated image tube or photomultiplier tube.

Abstract: A micromachined electron multiplier is disclosed wherein a substrate has at least one trench formed therein and an aperture cover is disposed on the substrate with at least one inlet aperture aligned with one end of the channel. Either the substrate or the apertured cover may have an outlet aperture formed therein. A variety of channel shapes, and arrays are disclosed as well as a solid state photomultiplier tube formed with an integrated radiation window and anode structure.

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.