Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

Litton Systems, Inc.

Robert H Smithson

Joseph P Estrera

Michael Jude Iosue

Timothy W Sinor

Keith T Passmore

Anthony J Nico

The present invention comprises a photon detector and image generator, which includes a photocathode that receives photons from an image. The photocathode discharges electrons in response to the received photons. A microchannel plate with an unfilmed input face and an output face receives the electrons from the photocathode and produces secondary emission electrons which are emitted from the output face. A display receives the secondary electrons and displays a representation of the image. The photon detector and image generator has a lifetime of more than 7,500 hours.

System for enhanced vision employing an improved image intensifier with an unfilmed microchannel plate

The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing a photon detector and image generator. First, a screen operable to display a visual image based on a received signal is provided. The screen is then scrubbed. Next, an unfilmed microchannel plate having an input face and an output face is provided. The microchannel plate is baked in a vacuum chamber and a tube assembly is formed by attaching the microchannel plate to the screen. The tube assembly is scrubbed using an electron gun. Next, a photocathode, having an input side and an output side, is attached to the assembly such that the output side of the photocathode faces the input face of the microchannel plate in order to form a final tube, wherein the tube has a lifetime greater than 7,500 hours.

Method and system for manufacturing microchannel plates

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Garland, TX, United States of America

Robert H Smithson