We propose to develop an imaging, high resolution, photon counting detector system with sensitivity in the ultraviolet from 50* to >3000*. Many current and future NASA missions require such detectors, usually custom built and expensive. Our objective is to develop a versatile, high performance photon counting detector combining recent technical advances in all aspects of microchannel plate (MCP) detector development in a low cost, commercially viable package that can support a variety of applications. The detector concept consists of a set of MCP's whose output electron pulses are readout with a crossed delay line anode and associated high speed event encoding electronics. The delay line anode will allow high resolution photon event centroiding (<25 microns FWHM) at very high event rates (>100,000 cts/sec) and can be scaled to large formats (>40 mm) while maintaining good linearity and high temporal stability. Also the potential of solar blind opaque UV photocathodes (>2000*), and non-outgassing delay line anodes for sealed-tube UV detectors with the above characteristics, could meet the requirements of many NASA missions while foregoing power and weight penalties of vacuum systems. Commercial Applications:The main goal of this SBIR proposal is to develop a versatile, commercially viable high performance photon counting detector for a wide variety of applications. These devices are the detectors of choice whenever low light-level detection coupled with low read-out noise is required. At present the main market for UV photon counting array detectors is that of scientific research, specifically for space astrophysics, space physics or atmospheric remote sensing applications.In addition to space science applications, we envisage a potential commercial market in the field of high resolution real time imaging of biological samples, soft X-ray microscopy, protein crystallography, and high resolution UV spectroscopy of gas discharges. With extension into the regime >3000* applications in ground based astronomy such as speckle imaging and other fast varying phenomena can be addressed. The high resolution - high count rate capability coupled with large detection area are clear advantages for our proposed detector. This is also particularly suitable for the development of detection devices for advanced mass spectroscopic laboratory analysis.Note: no official Abstract listing exists of selected NASA Phase II SBIR projects for this year. Hence, this abstract is modified by idi from relevant Phase I data. The specific Phase II work statement and objectives may differ.
