Efficiency-enhancing coatings on MCPs for photon detection can also be obtained for RoentDek detectors. We have proven our ability to produce and safely deliver a coated MCP set for UV and soft X-ray detection.

As known from the literature, coatings like CsI significantly enhance the detection efficiency for photon energies between UV wavelengths and several keV, but are rather difficult to handle [Fraser et al., Nucl. Instrum. Meth. 224 (1984) 272-286]. It could be shown that a DLD80 detector with CsI coating, delivered to the Soft X-ray Spectroscopy Laboratory at the RIKEN SPring-8 Center (Japan), provides high and stable quantum efficiency for X-rays of 1 keV energy. The absolute quantum efficiency was not measured, but from comparing detection rates with and without a repelling field for the secondary electrons the efficiency enhancement is within the expectations.

Coated detectors can be used for coincidence experiments involving soft-X-ray photon detection from gas phase and solid targets. By combining pulsed synchrotron radiation with the time resolution of RoentDek DLD detectors, one can reduce background from stray particles and dark counts, making it possible to analyze very weak lines that would otherwise be obscured by background.

RoentDek can supply different coatings for UV, VUV and soft-X-ray detection purposes. Since handling the detector usually demands short intervals of exposure to ambient air, only coatings such as CsI, KBr, or MgF₂ can be used for open detectors, i.e., those having a certain tolerance to water vapor. It could be demonstrated that shipping and standard handling of a DLD detector by the user do not degrade the coating if some precautions are taken.

For further information, please contact us.