Abstract: A microchannel plate (1) having an array of channels (5),includes a substrate (2) and, deposited on the substrate, a hydrogenated amorphous silicon film (3) having a thickness ranging between 50 ?m and 200 ?m, preferably between 80 ?m and 120 ?m, the film including the array of channels (5). Preferably, the substrate (2) is an integrated circuit having an internal electronic readout circuit and pixilated collection electrodes (8), and the film (3) is integrated on the substrate (2). The channels (5) may be formed by a Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for use in medical imaging including a readout circuit having an input for receiving a detection signal corresponding to a photon hitting a radiation detector, wherein the readout circuit is adapted to output, in response to receiving said detection signal, a pulse signal having a leading edge encoding a time-stamp of said photon and a width encoding the energy of said photon. A method of reading out detection signals from a radiation detector of a medical imaging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (1) having an array of channels (5),includes a substrate (2) and, deposited on the substrate, a hydrogenated amorphous silicon film (3) having a thickness ranging between 50 ?m and 200 ?m, preferably between 80 ?m and 120 ?m, the film including the array of channels (5). Preferably, the substrate (2) is an integrated circuit having an internal electronic readout circuit and pixilated collection electrodes (8), and the film (3) is integrated on the substrate (2). The channels (5) may be formed by a Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE) process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for use in medical imaging including a readout circuit having an input for receiving a detection signal corresponding to a photon hitting a radiation detector, wherein the readout circuit is adapted to output, in response to receiving said detection signal, a pulse signal having a leading edge encoding a time-stamp of said photon and a width encoding the energy of said photon. A method of reading out detection signals from a radiation detector of a medical imaging apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing charged particles and/or quanta of electromagnetic radiation has a sensor device (12) and amplifier circuitry (14). The sensor device (12) provides a sensor signal to an imput mode (vin) of the amplifier (14) to cause the level at the amplifier output mode (vout) to change. A negative feetback device (T1) responds to the change in level of the output node (Vour) to vary the feedback effect to increase the loop again of said amplifier circuitry (14). A current mirror (T2,T3) resets the input node (vin) to its initial level. Single particle and integrating sensor arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing charged particles and/or quanta of elektromagnetic radiation has a sensor device (12) and amplifier circuitry (14). The sensor device (12) provides a sensor signal to an imput mode (vin) of the amplifier (14) to cause the level at the amplifier output mode (vout) to change. A negative feetback device (T1) responds to the change in level of the output node (Vour) to vary the feedback effect to increase the loop again of said amplifier circuitry (14). A current mirror (T2,T3) resets the input node (vin) to its initil level. Single particle and integrating sensor arrangements are disclosed.