Abstract: An image intensifier tube includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having conductive input and output surfaces disposed in a housing. A conductive lower support is in electrical contact with the output surface of the MCP, and a conductive upper support is disposed above the input surface of the MCP. A shape memory alloy (SMA) lockdown is disposed between the input surface of the MCP and the upper support. The SMA lockdown is configured to provide a lockdown for the MCP in the housing. An SMA upper surface is configured to provide an axial force against the upper support, and an SMA lower surface is in contact with the input surface of the MCP.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube includes a microchannel plate (MCP) having conductive input and output surfaces disposed in a housing. A conductive lower support is in electrical contact with the output surface of the MCP, and a conductive upper support is disposed above the input surface of the MCP. A shape memory alloy (SMA) lockdown is disposed between the input surface of the MCP and the upper support. The SMA lockdown is configured to provide a lockdown for the MCP in the housing. An SMA upper surface is configured to provide an axial force against the upper support, and an SMA lower surface is in contact with the input surface of the MCP.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP) is formed from a boule. The MCP includes a plate having opposing end surfaces formed of acid resistant glass and acid etchable glass, and multiple channels extending longitudinally between the opposing end surfaces. The multiple channels are formed by circumferential walls of the acid resistant glass that surround the acid etchable glass. A respective circumferential wall forms a curved surface extending longitudinally between the opposing end surfaces. The curved surface is configured to reduce light from passing from one end surface to the other end surface. The acid resistant glass has a lower softening temperature than the acid etchable glass. As a result, the acid etchable glass may be subjected to a bending process, without reducing the diameter size of the microchannels that are formed after the bending process.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP) is formed from a boule. The MCP includes a plate having opposing end surfaces formed of acid resistant glass and acid etchable glass, and multiple channels extending longitudinally between the opposing end surfaces. The multiple channels are formed by circumferential walls of the acid resistant glass that surround the acid etchable glass. A respective circumferential wall forms a curved surface extending longitudinally between the opposing end surfaces. The curved surface is configured to reduce light from passing from one end surface to the other end surface. The acid resistant glass has a lower softening temperature than the acid etchable glass. As a result, the acid etchable glass may be subjected to a bending process, without reducing the diameter size of the microchannels that are formed after the bending process.

Abstract: The invention includes a microchannel plate for an image intensifier tube, in which the plate has multiple microchannels extending in a longitudinal dimension between transverse surfaces of the plate. Each microchannel includes a first portion forming a first opening at an end proximate a surface of the plate. The first portion includes a wall extending longitudinally from the surface and terminating in a substantially similar first opening at a distal end. The microchannel also includes a second portion of the wall, extending longitudinally from the first opening at the distal end and tapering toward a second opening at a further distal end. The first opening at the proximate end has a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter of the first opening at the distal end. The first opening is also wider than the second opening.

Abstract: The invention includes a microchannel plate for an image intensifier tube, in which the plate has multiple microchannels extending in a longitudinal dimension between transverse surfaces of the plate. Each microchannel includes a first portion forming a first opening at an end proximate a surface of the plate. The first portion includes a wall extending longitudinally from the surface and terminating in a substantially similar first opening at a distal end. The microchannel also includes a second portion of the wall, extending longitudinally from the first opening at the distal end and tapering toward a second opening at a further distal end. The first opening at the proximate end has a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter of the first opening at the distal end. The first opening is also wider than the second opening.

Abstract: A process for forming improved microchannel plates (“MCP”) for use in image intensifier tubes, the MCPs providing improved signal to noise, and reduced image distortion. The improved MCPs are first conventionally formed from the fusion of a plurality of glass fibers into a solid rod, where each fiber has an acid etchable core and acid-resistant cladding. Individual plates are then sliced transversely from the rod and polished. The MCP is then partially chemically etched with an alkaline material. The MCP is next subjected to an acid bath that removes the cores, optionally followed by a hot strong alkali bath that removes additional acid resistant cladding from the glass. Microchannels having funnel-shaped open ends are thereby formed in the MCP which allows for more efficient and accurate photoelectron generation.