The detection of hard X-rays (10 140 keV) by channel plate electron multipliers

Abstract Results presented indicate that hard X-rays in the energy range 10–50 keV can be detected with good efficiency (5–10%) in channel plate electron multipliers (CPEM). From 50 to 140 keV the detection efficiency lies in the range 1–2%. A simple physical model indicates that not only can good detection efficiency be obtained but that very good X-ray imaging is possible. The model predicts that with further development, a wideband, hard X-ray detector can be realised with a detection efficiency in the range 5–20% and spatial response better than 10 lp/mm in the energy range 10–140 keV.