Project Title:

Intensified Imager for Detection of Ultraviolet and Particles

92-1-08.10-4759                                                   NAS05-32440
Intensified Imager for Detection of Ultraviolet and
     Particles
Siegmund Scientific
2970 Honeysuckle Circle
Antioch, CA  94509
J.V. Vallerga                                        (510-754-4759)

Abstract:

     The detector concept consists of a windowless, microchannel
plate image intensifier viewed by a charged-coupled-device (CCD)
camera that detects and images ultraviolet (UV) radiation and
particles. This project will take advantage of recent improvements
in photocathode, microchannel plate, phosphor and fiber-optic
technologies, as well as current CCD technology and optimized
detector configurations. Image processing algorithms and fast
signal processors will provide analog and/or photon counting
imaging modes. This project will show that the optimized detector
schemes can provide high spatial resolution (40 line pairs/mm
analog, 10 æm photon counting), high quantum efficiency (greater
than 50 percent on average), large counting rates (1010 photons/sec
analog, greater than 5 x 104 events/sec photon counting) and high
dynamic range with low background, small and large formats, and
solar blindness.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  It is anticipated that the
detector will find applications in future rocket, shuttle, and
satellite instruments, for high performance imaging and
spectroscopy in astrophysics, aeronomy, and solar and planetary
physics. Specifically, the detector can be used in high-resolution
UV spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectroscopy, biological
sample imaging, microscopy, and crystallography.

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