SBIR Phase I: Development of a Long Life Microchannel Plate Photomultiplier Tube for High Flux Applications through the Innovative Application of Nanofilms

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目提出了一种革命性的方法来延长微通道板(MCP)光电倍增管(PMT)的寿命，该方法使用原子层沉积(ALD)纳米膜来抑制破坏性正离子的产生。这一提议的技术和智力优势值得注意：我们最先进的ALD能力将转变成熟的MCP技术，创造出高通量检测的能力。以前在这一领域改进MCP-PMT能力的尝试导致反应速度和分辨率降低。我们已经取得了引起图像增强器行业主要公司关注的初步结果，表明如果这项可行性研究成功，市场将产生强烈的兴趣。研究计划的要点是i)优化纳米膜的性能，ii)将优化后的薄膜应用于从工业合作伙伴那里获得的商业MCP，iii)将改性的MCP插入特殊的原型设备，以及iv)与德克萨斯大学阿灵顿分校(UTA)合作测试这种增强的设备并评估其性能。组建的团队与这项提议非常匹配，将我们的ALD工艺和材料科学技能与UTA的探测器开发能力相结合，同时利用两家机构的优秀设施。该项目的更广泛影响/商业潜力是巨大的。结合MCP的图像增强检测装置目前广泛应用于需要单光子计数或微光检测的应用中。一种寿命显著提高的设备的影响范围从使尖端粒子物理实验在CP破坏和希格斯性质领域具有令人兴奋的发现潜力，到国土安全应用，到夜视设备等商业应用。新的MCP-PMT考试将由UTA的本科生进行，该校被誉为全国最顶尖的拉美裔学生大学之一。这些学生将发展快速计时、激光和数据分析方面的专业知识，以及演示技能。因此，这项提案支持了NSF的使命，即促进发现和推进教育，同时通过刺激技术创新和将科学发现转化为社会和经济利益来实现SBIR计划的目标。据估计，在未来5年内，这项技术在所有所述技术领域的潜在市场机会将超过800万美元。

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes a revolutionary approach to extending the lifetime of microchannel plate (MCP) photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) using atomic layer deposited (ALD) nanofilms to suppress the creation of damaging positive ions. The technical and intellectual merits of this proposal are noteworthy: our state-of-the-art ALD capabilities will transform mature MCP technology, creating the capability for high flux detection. Previous attempts to improve MCP-PMT capabilities in this area have resulted in reduced responsiveness and resolution. We have obtained preliminary results which have attracted the attention of major companies in the image intensifier industry, demonstrating a strong market interest should this feasibility study succeed. The major points of the research plan are i) to optimize the nanofilm properties, ii) to apply the optimized film to commercial MCPs obtained from an industrial partner, iii) to insert the modified MCPs into a special prototype device, and iv) to test this enhanced device and evaluate its performance, in conjunction with the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). The assembled team is well-matched to this proposal, featuring a combination of our ALD process and materials science skills with UTA's detector development prowess, while taking advantage of excellent facilities at both institutions.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is substantial. Image intensification detection devices incorporating MCPs are currently widely used in applications where single photon counting or low light level detection are required. The impact of a device with dramatically improved lifetime ranges from enabling cutting-edge particle physics experiments with exciting discovery potential in the areas of CP violation and Higgs properties, to homeland security applications, to commercial applications such as night vision devices. The testing of the new MCP-PMTs will be carried out by undergraduate students at UTA, which has been commended as being one of the nation's top universities for Hispanic students. The students will develop expertise in fast timing, lasers, and data analysis, as well as presentation skills. This proposal thus supports the mission of the NSF to promote discoveries and advance education, while meeting the goals of the SBIR program by stimulating technological innovation and transforming scientific discovery into both social and economic benefit. It is estimated that the potential market opportunity that would be available to this technology, across all of the described technology domains, is in excess of $8 million over the next 5 years.