Abstract: A photosensor comprises a cathode portion (111) sensitive to radiation and/or particles, an anode portion (114) receiving electrons, an evacuated channel (112, 113, 200) having the cathode portion attached to its one end portion in a vacuum-tight manner and the anode portion attached to its other end portion in a vacuum-tight manner, a conductive or semiconductive layer (107) at least partially covering the inner surface of the evacuated channel, wherein the channel is formed of a tubular member (106). A method of manufacturing a channel electron multiplier comprises the steps of forming a tubular member and a conductive or semiconductive layer at least on parts of its inner surface, forming an anode portion and sealing it to the tubular member, evacuating the tubular member, forming a cathode portion sensitive to radiation and/or particles, and sealing the cathode portion to the evacuated tubular member. The detector may at least partially be packed into a casting compound.

Abstract: An integrated night vision device and laser range finder provides both night-time and day-time imaging by use of an image intensifier tube, as well as providing laser range finding operations both day and night. In a laser range finder mode of operation the device projects a pulse of laser light into a scene being viewed, and a power supply and laser range finder circuit of the device temporarily utilizes the image intensifier tube as a sensor to detect reflected laser light. During laser range finding, imaging is cut off for a very short time interval. Also, during imaging operations, the power supply and laser range finder circuit operates the image intensifier tube in a unique way in order to provide both improved automatic brightness control (ABC) and improved bright-source protection (BSP). The ABC and BSP functions are coordinated with the laser range finding function in order to prevent interference by the ABC or BSP functions with laser range finding operations.

Abstract: There is disclosed a three draw technique for drawing optical fibers into various cross-sectional shapes. The process employs a glass tube and rod which are fed into a heated furnace. The viscosity of the glass decreases and the glass flows. The glass is pulled or drawn out of the furnace at a different rate than it is fed into the furnace. The resultant drawn fibers are stacked and the process is repeated two more times. By employing three drawing steps one can achieve extremely small fiber faces. The final draw step uses a hexagonal cross-section preform and fibers. From the first drawn fibers three geometrical shapes can be assembled and finally drawn into hexagonal shapes with round fibers which are triangles, rhombohedrials and half hex or trapezoidal shapes. These shapes maintain the hexagonal closely packed space providing the highest density per cross-section. With this high density there is less glass flowing to fill voids thereby reducing distortion within the fabricated MCP.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating an image indicating distances to objects in a scene, comprising: a modulated source of radiation, having a first modulation function, which directs radiation toward a scene; a detector, which detects radiation reflected from the scene, modulated by a second modulation function, and generates, responsive to said detected modulated radiation, signals responsive to the distance to regions of the scene; a processor, which receives signals from the detector and forms an image, based on the signals, having an intensity value distribution indicative of the distance of objects from the apparatus; and a controller, which varies at least one of the first and second modulation functions, responsive to the intensity value distribution of the image formed by the processor.

Abstract: The present invention related to a flat display employing light emitting device and electron multiplier. A flat display of the present invention is fabricated to comprise the following three parts: an electron emission part of a flat substrate, light emitting device being arrayed at regular intervals in one side of the substrate and driven by video signal voltage, and photoelectric material being coated on the other side of the substrate; an electron multiplication part which comprises an electron multiplier for multiplying electrons emitted from the electron emission part and a power supply of high voltage D.C. to provide driving force therefor; and, a phosphor-activated luminescence part made of a glass coated with red(R), green(G) and blue(B) phosphors corresponding to the light emitting device by one-to-one in a matrix array, which activates each R, G or B phosphor to emit light by accelerating and colliding electrons passing through the electron multiplier with the phosphor-coated side of the glass.

Abstract: A microchannel plate and method of manufacturing same is provided. The microchannel plate includes a plate consisting of an anodized material and a plurality of channels which are formed during the anodization of the material and extend between the two sides of the plate. Electrodes are also disposed on each side of the plate for generating an electrical field within the channels. Preferably, the material is alumina and the channels are activated such that the channel walls are conductive and highly secondary emissive.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an electron multiplier is provided. The method consists of depositing a random channel layer on a substrate such that the random channel layer is capable of producing a cascade secondary electron emission in response to an incident electron in the presence of an electric field.

Abstract: An improved image intensifier tube having electrically operative components that include a photocathode having a photoemissive layer, a microchannel plate having a conductive input surface and a conductive output surface, and a vacuum housing for retaining the photocathode, the microchannel plate and a fiber optic inverter in a predetermined arrangement within an evacuated environment, the fiber optic inverter having a phosphor screen for receiving the electrons emitted by the cathode and converting the electrons into a visual image, the improvement therewith comprising a ring assembly disposed in the housing comprising first and second rings, the first ring being a metallized snap ring conductively contacting the input surface of the microchannel plate for providing electrical contact to and retaining the plate within the housing, the second ring being a metallized ceramic ring having a first chamfered metallized surface in electrical contact with the metallized snap ring and a second metallized surface oper

Abstract: Thin-panel picture display device having a luminescent screen and a large emitting plane electron source, such as a large number of juxtaposed electron propagation ducts operating by means of wall interaction of electrons. By means of an addressing system, electrons extracted from ducts are directed towards desired locations on the luminescent screen. The addressing system comprises a preselection system and a fine-selection system with an intermediate spacer plate of insulating material provided with apertures for passing electrons arranged in between. To provide the possibility of applying large voltage differences across the thickness of the spacer plate, the walls of the apertures are at least partly coated with a coating of a low .delta. material having a low secondary emission coefficient (.delta..sub.max .ltoreq.3.5), particularly Si.sub.3 N.sub.4, AlN, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 or Y.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: A channel-type electron multiplier and a method and apparatus for rounding off the sharp circular edges, fissures and protrusions at the ends of the holes in the glass plate. In order to do this a temperature gradient is produced through the plate so that only a small portion is heated above the glass softening temperature. The plate thus does not collapse or melt. The said rounded edges improve performance by reducing field emission, noise and photocathode contamination. An electrically heated nichrome wire provides heat pulses at regular intervals. An alternative method utilizes an optical lap after core glass in the plate holes has been partially etched out.

Abstract: A particle detector for an electron microscope, a mass spectrometer or the like comprises a single flat plate electron multiplier such as a micro-channel plate or a micro-sphere plate followed by a scintillator. The use of the electron multiplier prior to the scintillator compensates for lack of efficiency in passing photons from the scintillator. The output voltage of the scintillator can be freely set.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescent field emission display device features an enhancement layer disposed over at least selected portions of an outer surface of an extraction grid of the device. The enhancement layer provides enhanced secondary electron emissions. The enhancement layer is preferably near mono-molecular film of an oxide of barium, beryllium, calcium, magnesium, strontium or aluminum.

Abstract: A cathodoluminescent field emission display devices features an enhancement layer disposed over an outer surface of a substantially planar cathode electron emitter of the device. The enhancement layer provides enhanced secondary electron emissions. The enhancement layer is preferably near mono-molecular film of an oxide of barium, beryllium, calcium, magnesium, strontium or aluminum.

Abstract: In the electron multiplier assembly 27, a dynode unit 10 is constructed from a plurality of dynodes 9 laminated one on another. Each dynode 9 is formed with multichannels 12 which are separated from one another by channel-separating portions 14. A focusing electrode plate 16 is formed with multichannels 18 which are separated from one another by channel-separating electrodes 20 which are located in correspondence with the channel-separating portions 14 of the first stage dynode 9a. A plurality of anodes 7 are provided for receiving electrons multiplied at the dynode unit 10 in their corresponding channels 18. Each channel-separating electrode 20 is formed with an opening 21, at a position confronting the channel-separating portion 14 of the first stage dynode 9a, for transmitting electrons therethrough.

Abstract: In the microchannel 50, a conductive film 52 is formed on an electron input surface of a dynode 51 where the plurality of channels are arranged. The conductive film is made of material that can transmit light that has originated photoelectrons and that has a refractive index lower than that of the dynode constituting material.

Abstract: A night vision device having a power supply which delivers a high voltage level to its microchannel plate (MCP) through a variable resistance device. The voltage to the MCP is monitored and used to control the resistance to the variable resistance device such that the voltage on the MCP remains substantially at an established level, notwithstanding variations in the current being drawn by the MCP.

Abstract: A night vision device includes an improved image intensifier tube providing an image with reduced dark spots caused by microscopic particulate contamination in the tube. A method of processing image intensifier tubes to reduce dark spots caused by such microscopic particulate contamination within the tubes is disclosed.

Abstract: In the photomultiplier tube 1, the focusing electrode plate 17 has the focusing portion 20 for focusing incident electrons and the frame 21 surrounding the focusing portion 20. The focusing portion 20 has a plurality of slit openings 18. The dynode unit 10 is constructed from a plurality of dynode plates 11 laminated one on another. Each dynode plate 11 has a plurality of electron through-holes 13 located in confrontation with the plurality of slit openings 18. A plurality of anodes 9 are provided for receiving electrons emitted from the respective through-holes 13 of the dynode unit 10. The frame 21 has dummy openings 22 at positions located in confrontation with edges 15 of the first stage dynode plate 11a in the dynode unit 10.

Abstract: Ions in a chamber or space are detected using an electron multiplier operating at relatively low gain. The electron multiplier is placed in communication with the chamber, such as a chamber of a mass spectrometer, such that ions from the chamber enter the electron multiplier. A bias voltage applied to the multiplier sets the gain of the multiplier. By setting the gain at a relatively low value, the gain of the multiplier remains independent of chamber pressure, such that an accurate pressure measurement is obtained without calibration at a particular pressure or as a function of pressure.

Abstract: A picture display device having a vacuum envelope which is provided with a transparent face plate and a display screen having a pattern of luminescent pixels, and with a rear wall, comprising electron-producing means, an addressing system arranged between said means and the face plate so as to address desired pixels, and, adjacent to the display screen, a plate of electrically insulating material provided with apertures for passing electrons, in operation a voltage difference being applied across said plate, characterized in that the surface at the electron entrance side of the apertured plate is coated with a coating of a material selected from the group comprising nonstoichiometric nitrides, borides and carbides of Al and/or Si, and amorphous Si.

Abstract: A display device includes: a rear wall (4); a display panel (3) spaced from the rear wall (4) and a display screen (7) having a pattern of phosphor pixels; an addressing structure (100) disposed intermediate the rear wall (4) and the display panel (3) for addressing the display screen (7); and an aperture spacer plate (101); wherein, the spacer plate (101) includes a glass material having an electrical resistance of log R at 250.degree. C..gtoreq.8. The spacer plate (101) including a glass material having an electrical resistance of log R at 250.degree. C..gtoreq.8 reduces the charging of the spacer plate walls and improves uniformity of phosphor brightness. The spacer plate may further comprise a glass having a lower alkali mobility less than sodium lime glass.

Abstract: A thin-panel picture display device having a luminescent screen is provided and by means of an addressing system, electrons are directed towards desired locations on the luminescent screen. A spacer plate of electrically insulating material, with apertures for passing electrons, is present between the addressing system and the screen. To provide the possibility of applying voltage differences of at least 5 kV across the thickness of the spacer plate, at least the walls of the apertures are coated with a coating of particles of nitrides, borides, carbides, oxides of chromium, yttrium, tantalum, with a secondary emission coefficient of .delta..sub.max .ltoreq.3.5 and an electrical sheet resistance of at least 10.sup.12 .OMEGA./.quadrature..

Abstract: A photomultiplier of the present invention has an electron multiplier of a structure which can be manufactured easily. This electron multiplier is constituted by dynode plates that are stacked through insulators so as to be separated from each other at a predetermined interval. Each dynode plate comprises upper- and lower-electrode plates that are electrically connected to each other. The upper- and lower-electrode plates grip at least one of the insulators such that the gripped insulator is partly exposed.

Abstract: A photomultiplier is constituted by a photocathode and an electron multiplier having a typical structure in which a dynode unit having a plurality of dynode plates stacked in an incident direction of photoelectrons, an anode plate, and an inverting dynode plate are sequentially stacked. Through holes for injecting a metal vapor are formed in the inverting dynode plate to form secondary electron emitting layers on the surfaces of dynodes supported by the dynode plates, and the photocathode. With this structure, the secondary electron emitting layers are uniformly formed on the surfaces of the dynodes. Therefore, variations in output signals obtained from anodes can be reduced regardless of the positions of the photocathode.

Abstract: A detector assembly for a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer has a modular microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector and a replaceable MCP cartridge containing at least one MCP secured within the detector. The detector includes an integrated support for a voltage divider and high voltage connections. The detector is also adapted to be secured to a modified vacuum flange for the instrument.

Abstract: Flat-panel type picture display device having a luminescent screen and a large number of electron propagation ducts operating by means of electron wall interaction. Electrons are withdrawn from the ducts by means of an addressing system, whereafter these electrons are directed towards desired locations on the luminescent screen. An apertured spacer plate of electrically insulating material for passing electrons is arranged between the addressing system and the screen. To enable large voltage differences to be applied across the dimension of thickness of the spacer plate, the spacer plate is provided with a high-ohmic layer, or with a pattern of a low-ohmic material, or with an equalization layer at one side and with a low-ohmic layer at the other side, and at least the walls of the apertures are preferably coated with a material having a low secondary emission.

Abstract: This invention relates to electron emitting semiconductor materials for use in dynodes, dynode devices incorporating such materials, and methods of making the dynode devices. In particular, the invention relates to emissive materials having an electron affinity that is negative and which have low resistivity. The invention also relates to electronic devices such as electron multipliers, ion detectors, and photomultiplier tubes incorporating the dynodes comprising the materials, and to methods for fabricating the electronic devices. The secondary electron emitters of the present invention comprise wide bandgap semiconductor films selected from diamond, AlN, BN, Ga.sub.1-y Al.sub.y N where 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1 and (AlN).sub.x (SiC).sub.1-x where 0.2.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1. The films are preferably single crystal or polycrystalline. The films may be continuous or patterned.

Abstract: An electron multiplier includes an improved resistor assembly for applying relevant voltages to respective dynodes. Resistor patterns are printed on one surface of an insulation substrate. Each resistor pattern is connected to one end of one of a plurality of conductor patterns which are also printed on the same surface of the insulation substrate, so that each resistor pattern is sandwiched between adjacent conductor patterns to provide a predetermined resistance therebetween. The other end of each conductor pattern extends to a corresponding insertion hole formed on the insulation substrate. One end of a conductor element, which may be a lead, wire, or other wire shaped conductor, is inserted into the corresponding insertion hole and electrically connected to its corresponding conductor pattern. At least the area around where the conductor pattern is connected to the conductor element and also areas around resistor patterns are covered with an insulating seal material.

Abstract: In a field emission display, a microchannel plate is mounted between an emitter panel and a display screen. The inner walls of the cylindrical passageways through the microchannel plate are coated with a conductive layer which is connected to a plate voltage. Electrons emitted from the emitter panel travel through cylindrical passageways in the microchannel plate toward the display screen. As electrons pass through the microchannels, the electrons are multiplied and collimated to increase the intensity of the light emitted from the screen and to reduce the pixel size.

Abstract: A direct conversion broad band x-ray/gamma-ray photocathode having at least one layer functioning as an efficient x-ray or gamma-ray absorber and another layer functioning as an efficient transmission secondary electron emitter for providing both high detection efficiency and high spatial resolution, for use in either a radiation detection environment or an image intensification environment.

Abstract: This image tube converts irradiated electrons into fluorescence by irradiating electrons converted from a light beam by a photocathode onto a YAG crystal member. Since the YAG crystal member is a single unitary solid, the fluorescence generated on the input surface of the YAG crystal member contains no fixed pattern noise.

Abstract: A photomultiplier includes a photocathode and an electron multiplier. A typical structure of the electron multiplier is obtained such that a dynode unit constituted by stacking a plurality of dynode plates in the incident direction of photoelectrons, an anode plate, and an inverting dynode plate are stacked. The anode plate has electron through holes at a predetermined portion to cause secondary electrons emitted from the dynode unit to pass therethrough. Each electron through hole has a diameter on the inverting dynode plate side larger than that on the dynode unit side, thereby increasing the capture area of the secondary electrons orbit-inverted by the inverting dynode plate.

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: A process for fabricating microchannel plates produces large area microchannel plates that have channel exit openings as small as 0.5 micron, MTF.about.1, pitch-limited resolution (a factor of 10 potential improvement in resolution) and at a cost of $0.40/sq. centimeter, and with funneling controlled as to configuration and exit opening size and shape. Microchannels may be rectangular in cross section, or rectangular, or trapezoidal, or other configuration, including straight sided, chevron or balloon sided. Microchannels of differing configurations may be interspersed, for reasons of alignment or to control pixel characteristics. Material choice may include glass, ceramic, metal, alloy and plastics, plus dopants. This materials flexibility, and the improved geometrical uniformity lead to higher signal-to-noise ratio and lower outgassing, and to a significant improvement in performance.

Abstract: A microchannel plate for an image intensifier tube, the microchannel plate comprising a substrate having an input surface and an output surface and a plurality of channels extending therebetween, each of the channels defining a channel wall, wherein the microchannel plate operates as an electron multiplier, whereby each of the channel walls emits a cascade of electrons in response to an electron entering a respective one of the channels, and a focusing element formed on an output of at least one of the channels for preventing spatial dispersion of the cascade of electrons exiting the output thereof.

Abstract: A photomultiplier has a focusing electrode plate for supporting focusing electrodes, provided between a photocathode and a dynode unit. Since the focusing electrode plate has holding springs which are integrally formed with the focusing electrode plate, resistance-welding becomes unnecessary to prevent field discharge. A concave portion is formed in a main surface of the focusing electrode plate to arrange an insulating member sandwiched between the focusing electrode plate and the photoelectron incidence side of the dynode unit and partially in contact with the concave portion. With this structure, discharge between the focusing electrode plate and the dynode unit can be prevented.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube, image intensifier tube, or night vision device includes a cascade of plural microchannel plates which are physically and electrically connected together to provide an electron multiplication through the microchannel plate cascade. At least two adjacent microchannel plates in the cascade are also physically interbonded to one another. The bonding of the adjacent microchannel plates may be accomplished by use of a metallic interbonding layer covering all except a peripheral edge portion of at least one face of one or both of the bonded microchannel plates, which interbonding layer confronts and bonds with the other of the bonded microchannel plates. The interbonding layer may cover only a peripheral annular portion of the one face of the one bonded microchannel plate, or only sub-areas of this peripheral annular portion of this one microchannel plate. During manufacturing of such an image intensifier tube, the microchannel plates are initially fabricated and handled as individuals.

Abstract: A photomultiplier tube which obtains a large decrease in manufacture time, prevents generation of gas within the envelope, prevents deterioration of electron multiplier assembly (dynodes), and greatly reduces noise. The envelope includes an all-metal cylindrical sidewall, at one end of which is an annular, flange-shaped, metal sealing area. The stem of the photomultiplier tube has another annular flange-shaped, metal sealing area. These two sealing areas are welded together. Also a metal exhaust tube is connected to the stem by resistance welding. The metal exhaust tube is severed using pinch-off seal at the final stage of the photomultiplier tube production.

Abstract: A photomultiplier which can be easily made compact has a dynode unit constituted by stacking a plurality of stages of dynode plates in an electron incident direction in a vacuum container constituted by a housing and a base member integrally formed with the housing. Each dynode plate has an engaging member engaged with a connecting pin for applying a voltage at a side surface thereof. Through holes for guiding the connecting pins from the outside of the container are formed in the base member. Each engaging member is arranged not to overlap the remaining engaging members in the stacking direction of the dynode plates. The arrangement position of each engaging member and the arrangement position of the through hole for guiding the corresponding connecting pin to be connected are matched with each other.

Abstract: Planar display devices which have a small thickness and used as a display unit of a television set, a monitor or the like. A control electrode portion for passing electrons through a given electron-passing hole selected from a plurality of electron-passing holes provided on an insulating substrate is formed by coating the insulating substrate with a conductive film and dividing them into a plurality of conductive films as control electrodes. This structure obviates the mesh structure of electrons which are necessary in the case of arranging control electrodes on the insulating substrate, thereby realizing high-definition display devices with improved luminance.

Abstract: Microchannel plates for use in image intensifiers and night vision devices having both improved gain and signal-to-noise ratio are provided. The microchannel plates provide an initial electron impact area having a surface electron-emissivity coefficient greater than one (1) that is not occluded by low electron-emissivity conductive coatings. In one embodiment angulated deposition of a coating material is used to provide a high electron-emissivity initial electron-impact area while in another embodiment nonmetallic electrodes provide increased amplification of a signal electron. Besides improving gain and sensitivity, the microchannel plates of the present invention provide a higher signal-to-noise ratio, better resolution, high open area ratios and are significantly more cost effective to produce.

Abstract: A photomultiplier which can be easily made compact has a dynode unit having a plurality of dynode plates stacked in an electron incident direction in a vacuum container fabricated by a housing and a base member integrally formed with the housing. Each dynode plate is constituted by welding at least two plates overlapping each other. The welding positions do not overlap each other in the stacking direction of the dynode plates. With this structure, field discharge at the welding portions between the dynode plates can be prevented to reduce noise.

Abstract: A flat display apparatus has a substrate, a plurality of pointed cathodes formed on the substrate, a planar anode facing toward the cathodes via a vacuum space, and a light emitting layer on the side of the anode which is opposite from the cathodes. The anode has a plurality of projections in positions corresponding to the cathodes. The anode projections reduce electron scatter to improve light emission from the light emitting layer. In another embodiment of the flat display apparatus, a primary electron source and a plurality of secondary electron sources connected to bias voltages are disposed on the substrate and positioned relative to one another in an alternately staggered vertical positional sequence toward a light emitting member so that electrons are successively amplified.

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.

Abstract: The electron tube according to this invention comprises an electron multiplier for multiplying incident electron flows by secondary electron emission. This electron multiplier includes a plurality of stages of dynodes laid one on another, and each stage dynode includes a number of through-holes each having an electron input opening on one end and an electron output opening on the other end. The electron output opening has a larger area than the electron input opening.

Abstract: An image intensifier tube having a conductive coating for draining away accumulated electrons that cause the image intensifier tube to lose resolution. The conductive coating is formed on the insulating surface of the image intensifier tube microchannel plate. The conductive coating is formed from the evaporation of cathode sublimation products which include barium, nickel and tungsten.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector of reduced size employs a flexible multilayer printed circuit board as a lead assembly and enjoys increased ease of assembly and improved versatility.

Abstract: A flat, thin picture display device has a transparent face plate and a rear plate and a large number of electron sources and local electron transport ducts cooperating therewith. A selection plate arranged between the face plate and the rear plate has an arrangement of apertures which defines locations for withdrawing electrons from the electron transport ducts and, aligned therewith, a row of apertures defining locations for the electron sources.

Abstract: A continuous thin film dynode includes a substrate with at least one channel having a channel wall, an isolation layer overlying the channel wall, and a thin film overlying the isolation layer. The thin film includes a current carrying portion and an electron emissive portion overlying the current carrying portion. The electron emissive portion is essentially free of a material which is silica-rich, alkali-rich, and lead-poor. The current carrying portion is essentially free of a material which is lead-rich.

Abstract: A microchannel plate (MCP)-based detector of reduced size employs a flexible multilayer printed circuit board as a lead assembly and enjoys increased ease of assembly and improved versatility.