Abstract: A microchannel amplifier includes an insulating substrate that defines at least one microchannel pore through the substrate from an input surface to an output surface. A conductive layer is formed on an outer surface of the at least one microchannel pore that has a non-uniform resistance as a function of distance through the at least one microchannel pore. The non-uniform resistance is selected to simulate saturation by reducing gain as a function of input current and bias voltage compared with uniform resistance. A first and second electrode is deposited on a respective one of the input and the output surfaces of the insulating substrate. The microchannel amplifier amplifying emissions propagating through the at least one microchannel pore when the first and second electrodes are biased.