Micro-channel plate CRT: Difference between revisions

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The micro-channel plate (MCP) is an extra element that can be included in a CRT to improve the brightness of the
The '''Micro-channel plate (MCP)''' is a form of secondary electron multiplier that can be included in a [[CRT]] to improve the brightness of the
trace at high sweep rates.  Typically it sits directly behind the face of the CRT.   
trace, which is needed particularly at high sweep rates.  Typically it sits directly behind the face of the CRT.  It requires its own bias voltage.   
It requires its own bias voltage.   


MCPs have finite life and careful biasing is necessary to get the full life.
The electron beam passes through the deflection plates before it hits the micro-channel plate, which consists of parallel channels
offset at a slight angle to the beam. The inside walls of these channels are coated with resistive material, with an acceleration voltage
on the order of 1 kV applied between back and front of the plate. Electrons entering a channel hit the wall where they initiate a cascade
of secondary electron emission like in a photomultiplier. At the exit of the channels, a final acceleration voltage propels the beam across
a small gap toward the CRT's phosphor coating.  In a typical MCP CRT like the [[T7100]], the channels have 25 μm diameters.
 
MCP amplification deteriorates in proportion to total charge passed per channel or unit of area, making them
particularly prone to a form of burn-in.
Careful biasing along with beam current/time limiting mechanisms are necessary to achieve the full life time.
 
The MCP enables an improved system bandwidth overall.


MCP tubes are used in the following Tektronix products:
MCP tubes are used in the following Tektronix products:
* [[7104]]
* [[7104]]/[[R7103]]: [[T7100]]
* [[11302]]
* [[2467]]/[[2467B]]: [[T2467]]
* [[2467]]
* [[11302]]/[[11302A]]: [[T7707]]
* [[7250]]
* [[7250]] (in the [[scan converter]] tube, not the visible CRT)


Tektronix MCP CRTs:
[[File:Micro-channel plate diagram.jpg | 600px |MCP diagram]]
* [[T7100]]


==Links==
==Links==
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* [http://w140.com/US4931704.pdf US Patent 4931704]
* [http://w140.com/US4931704.pdf US Patent 4931704]
* [http://w140.com/US4956548.pdf US Patent 4956548]
* [http://w140.com/US4956548.pdf US Patent 4956548]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9KaTgChudw Tektronix 2467B "Bright Eye (tm)" Oscilloscope promotional video]




[[Category:Micro-channel plate CRTs]]
[[Category:Micro-channel plate CRTs]]

Revision as of 15:02, 27 April 2019

The Micro-channel plate (MCP) is a form of secondary electron multiplier that can be included in a CRT to improve the brightness of the trace, which is needed particularly at high sweep rates. Typically it sits directly behind the face of the CRT. It requires its own bias voltage.

The electron beam passes through the deflection plates before it hits the micro-channel plate, which consists of parallel channels offset at a slight angle to the beam. The inside walls of these channels are coated with resistive material, with an acceleration voltage on the order of 1 kV applied between back and front of the plate. Electrons entering a channel hit the wall where they initiate a cascade of secondary electron emission like in a photomultiplier. At the exit of the channels, a final acceleration voltage propels the beam across a small gap toward the CRT's phosphor coating. In a typical MCP CRT like the T7100, the channels have 25 μm diameters.

MCP amplification deteriorates in proportion to total charge passed per channel or unit of area, making them particularly prone to a form of burn-in. Careful biasing along with beam current/time limiting mechanisms are necessary to achieve the full life time.

The MCP enables an improved system bandwidth overall.

MCP tubes are used in the following Tektronix products:

MCP diagram

Links