Ultrahigh-resolution photon-counting system

The requirement for ever improved resolution at lower and lower photon levels has lead researchers to a number of various possible systems. Since we make image tubes on a custom basis, we have made several different photon counting tubes with different readout systems for a variety of laboratories. These readout systems are reviewed in our paper, and we attempt to analyze the state of the art with these different readout systems. Since all these systems use micro channel plate electron amplification, the fundamental properties of the channel plate effects them all to some degree. Advanced micro channel plates are being assessed, and the progress made is reviewed. Advanced electronic readout systems based upon the latest components, including transputers, promises increased resolution and count rates in systems optimized for X-ray and UV applications.