High signal-to-noise ratio MCP for Gen.Ⅲ image intensifier

A new technique of MCP fabrication is proposed for overcoming the disadvantages of noise factor increase, signal-to-noise ratio decrease and NEA photocathode superiority reduction caused by the ion barrier film coated on MCP during the operation lifetime of image intensifier. With the technique, the glass composition is optimized, the operation temperature of the synthetic glass is increased, the inwall structure of the channel is improved, and the open aperture ratio reaches 65%～70%. The experiment results show that the high performance MCP can improve the secondary emission performance while the ion feedback noise is reduced. This MCP can offer an even lower noise figure performance in comparison with the standard MCP, and significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio of Gen.Ⅲ image intensifiers. Finally, it is pointed out that the further work on the MCP will make high signal-to-noise ratio and long operation life filmless Gen.Ⅲ image intensifier possible.