Efficiency and resolution of a new readout system for electro‐optical devices

Results of a new experiment investigating fiber‐coupled, astronomical CCD cameras as imaging systems for electro‐optic devices are described. These results indicate that single‐electron detection is achievable at 10‐kV energy and that the resolution can exceed 35‐μm FWHM. A system using such a camera to read a matched, high‐resolution phosphor is described, and characterizations of the various component efficiencies are given. It is concluded that this system offers formidable competition to microchannel plate intensified systems with respect to dynamic range, absolute sensitivity, and cost.