Microchannel Plate Backscatter Layer for First-Strike Electron Gain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microchannel plates (MCPs) in night vision systems have less than ideal first strike efficiency due to less than 100% open area ratio and poor secondary emission coefficient of contact metal, leading to reduced signal-to-noise ratio and electron amplification.
Innovation Solution
The MCPs are improved by configuring channel openings with an electron backscatter layer between the contact metal layer and a secondary electron booster layer, increasing the number of first strike electrons through backscattering and amplification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact metal layer is used at channel openings, then electrical conductivity is improved, but secondary electron emission coefficient deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by stacking multiple layers with different properties: contact metal layer (for conductivity), electron backscatter layer (for electron reflection), and secondary electron booster layer (for electron multiplication). This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials that individually provide conductivity but poor electron emission with materials that provide excellent electron emission but poor conductivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact metal layer is segmented into multiple functional layers rather than using a single uniform material. The electron backscatter layer and secondary electron booster layer are added as separate functional segments, each performing a specific function to collectively solve the contradiction between conductivity and electron emission.
2Strength
If open area ratio is less than 100%, then structural integrity is improved, but first strike efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electron amplification function at the channel openings where the multi-layer structure is applied. The electron backscatter layer and secondary electron booster layer are specifically positioned at the openings to enhance first strike efficiency locally, while the bulk structure maintains structural integrity through the solid MCP substrate.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional MCP structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the electron backscatter layer and secondary electron booster layer at the channel openings before the MCP operates. This preliminary preparation of the electron multiplication mechanism at the openings ensures high first strike efficiency and improved signal-to-noise ratio from the start, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple by building layers on the finished MCP structure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances first strike efficiency, reduces noise variation, and increases electron gain, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and overall performance of the night vision system.
Implementation Method 1
an electron backscatter layer formed along the side of each channel opening between a metal contact layer and a secondary electron booster layer to scatter primary electrons onto the booster layer and amplify resulting first strike electrons
Implementation Method 2
As the incoming electrons from the photocathode strike the inner surface of the channel opening at the input surface, secondary electrons are produced
Data Source
AI summary
A night vision system along with an image intensifier tube having a microchannel plate and method of forming the microchannel plate are provided. The microchannel plate comprises a plurality of spaced channels extending through the microchannel plate, wherein each channel sidewall surface near the input face of the microchannel plate comprises a series of layers formed thereon. The input face of the microchannel plate, as well as the sidewall surfaces of each channel near the input surfaces, are configured with an electron backscatter layer arranged between a contact metal layer and a secondary electron booster layer. When formed partially into the channel openings near the input face, the electron backscatter layer and overlying secondary electron booster layer are configured circumferentially around the sidewall surfaces and extend radially inward toward a central axis of each channel.