New tool for high-resolution multichannel readout: megapixel electron-bombarded CCD image zoom tube

A hybrid image intensifier zoon tube, based on a thinned backside electron-bombarded CCD (EBCCD) 1024 X 1024 pixels (13.1 X 13.1 micrometers 2 ), to be used for the readout of a high resolution fiber detector in a high energy physics experiment, has been designed, manufactured and tested. This tube has a photocathode diameter of 40 mm and allows to change the image magnification (M) from 0.6 to 1.3. Owing to the low energy threshold of the EBCCD (2.5 keV) and the high operational voltage (15 kV), a gain (electrons per photoelectron) of 4000 has been attained. A spatial resolution of about 40 lp/mm (15% MTF) with an illumination of 2 (DOT) 10(superscript -4 lux and has been achieved. The EBCCD tube is gateable by applying appropriate voltage pulses to the focusing electrode. The high gain and the excellent space resolution of this device make it very interesting for many applications in high energy physics, astrophysics, medical diagnostics and very low light imaging.