Microchannel plate with miniature channels

The trend of miniaturization channel of MCP is introduced in the aspects of space resolution, time resolution and dynamic range. According to the relationship between MCP performance and structure, the problems such as distortion, crack, structure misplacemen of microchannel plate caused by the channel miniaturization are discussed, and solutions for the problems are analyzed. The analysis shows, according to the Omnibus I, II, III, IV programs formulated by United States Department of Defense, the developing sequence of MCP pore pitch is 12m, 10m, 9m, 8m, 6m and 5m. Some developed countries can even make the aperture of the microchannel plate 4m～5m and the resolution of the night vision system with tiny pore MCP more than 100lp/mm. The miniaturization of the channel is the trend of high performance MCP development. By improving the material composition, techniques of fiber-drawing, stick-arranging, billet fabrication and chemical treatment as well as equipments, manufacturing MCP with less than 5m pores can be achieved.