Microchannel plate
From Mass Spec Terms
| DRAFT DEFINITION |
| Microchannel plate |
|---|
|
An incident x-ray photon enters a channel and frees (via "photoelectric emission") an electron from the channel wall. An electron accelerating potential difference (approx. -1500 Volts) is applied across the length of the channel. The initial electron strikes the adjacent wall, freeing several electrons (via "secondary emission"). These electrons will be accelerated along the channel until they in turn strike the channel surface, giving rise to more electrons. Eventually this cascade process yields a cloud of several thousand electrons, which emerge from the rear of the plate. |
| Considered between 2004 and 2006 but not included in the 2006 PAC submission |
| This is an unofficial draft definition presented for information and comment. |
