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Image intensifiers
(Visible Types)

Image intensifiers including the visible spectrum

The detection of lowest light levels at a high signal to noise ratio as well as the possibility to image with shutter times in the nanosecond regime are the key strengths of image intensifiers.

These sensors are frequently used to image and count single photon events or to image high speed phenomena like combustion processes and plasma dynamics by applying shutter times down to ~3 ns.

These detectors form an amplified image at the output screen, which can be recorded by an attached camera or sensor (see also Intensifier Modules).

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Features

 

Image intensifiers allow the amplification of visible images up to a level, where single quanta of light can be seen at the output of the device. In contrast to semiconductor sensors, the physics of the detection process hinders most of the thermally generated electrons to be amplified. Therefore the dark current of these sensors is drastically reduced, which makes them a prime candidate for ultra-low light environments.

Another unique feature of the detection process is the possibility to stop the signal generated by incoming photons to be amplified and detected in about 1 ns. Thus, these detectors can be used for high speed imaging down to a timespan of ~ 3ns. Therefore they have to be driven by an appropriate pulse generator (ProxiGate).

The spectral response can be tuned by selecting different photocathode materials and parameters (->Verweis auf Bild mit PK Empfindlichkeiten unter Configuration Parameters). Photocathodes with higher sensitivity in the red part of the spectrum have higher noise than those who are only sensitive in the blue/green part.

Applications

 

  • Single photon and low light imaging
  • High speed imaging
  • UV imaging and detection
  • Photon counting
  • Fluorescence analysis

Configuration parameters

 

  • photocathode: from 200 to 800 nm (different types for optimal QE and SNR)
  • input window: MgF2 ,quarz, fiberoptic
  • Active diameter: 25 mm, 40 mm
  • Number of MCPs: 1 for imaging, 2 for photon counting
  • Shutter option: (DC, 1 ms, 100 ns, 10 ns, 5 ns, 1 ns)
  • power supply: integrated or separate
  • Output window: clear glass or fiberoptic
  • Output phosphor screen: P43, P46 or P47 – for optimized efficiency and decay characteristic
  • individual options on request (Custom engineering)

Options

 

Besides the standard configuration we do also take into account application-specific requirements. Thus we invite our customers to provide such information. Confidentiality is of course guaranteed.

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