Development of diamond dynodes for the next generation high throughput photon counting detectors

愿景我们提出的钻石动态极技术是从真空管器件、光电倍增管和图像增强器向使用微机械2D像素阵列的大面积平板光子计数探测器设计的潜在步骤转变的先驱；这是一场类似于用今天的平板液晶显示器(LCD)取代阴极射线管(CRT)的革命。改进的光子和粒子计数探测器系统对于从生命科学到粒子物理、环境监测到天文学等各种应用领域的持续技术进步至关重要。本项目的目的是研究人工沉积的金刚石作为高性能探测器中电子倍增的动力极材料的性能。以前的研究表明，钻石可能非常适合担任这一角色，但到目前为止，它的特性还没有在这一领域得到开发。这个为期一年的项目将由莱斯特大学空间研究中心和布里斯托尔大学化学系合作完成，总经济成本为121,400英镑。人力将由一名PDRA项目科学家提供，全职雇用12个月，在来自莱斯特的PI和来自布里斯托尔的Co-IS的监督下，并由莱斯特的一个月机械技术员提供协助。为期一年的时间表包括5个工作包：-1.回顾关于沉积金刚石膜特性、确定可能的倍增极候选者(掺杂剂浓度、工艺参数等)、表面修饰以及倍增极性能的模拟和建模的现有数据。研究金刚石涂层技术，包括CVD沉积和在导电纳米颗粒基质中喷墨打印金刚石粉末。使用一系列优选的工艺参数、掺杂剂浓度和表面改性，包括使用金刚石涂层网孔研究透明的显像管结构，来制造金刚石涂层的显像管。在表征之后，将进行一次过程迭代。测量不同金刚石涂层的倍增极样品的二次电子发射特性(发射系数、能量和角度分布)，作为输入电子能量和角度的函数。设计和使用金刚石涂层的DYNON的离散DYNADE光电倍增管的性能评估与Photek有限公司的合作将使项目团队能够使用专门为此目的设计的光电倍增管演示DYNADE的概念验证。PHOTEK将在光电倍增管的设计和组装以及达能极性能演示方面提供实物援助，以换取学术合作伙伴开发合适的金刚石涂层技术，并同意就可能的商业化安排进行谈判。该项目与即将出台的基础技术联盟建设计划相结合，旨在建立一个开发商和最终用户网络，用于开发通用光子和计数粒子传感器系统的革命性技术。其目标是提供探测器性能的阶跃变化，使地面制动能够在广泛的学科范围内应用。

VisionThe diamond dynode technology we propose is the precursor to a potential step change from vacuum tube devices, photomultiplier tubes and image intensifiers, towards the promise of large area, flat panel photon counting detector designs utilising micro-machined 2D pixel arrays; a revolution analogous to the replacement of the cathode ray tube (CRT) with todays's flat screen liquid crystal displays (LCDs).Improved photon and particle counting detector systems are crucial for continuing technological progress in wide variety of diverse applications from the life sciences to particle physics, environmental monitoring to astronomy. The aim of this project is to investigate the properties of artificially deposited diamond as a dynode material for electron multiplication in high performance detectors. Previous studies suggest that diamond could be exceptionally well suited candidate for this role, but thus far its properties have not been exploited thus far in this field. The one-year project will be a collaboration between the Space Research Centre, University of Leicester and the Department of Chemistry at Bristol University, and has a total full economic cost of 121,400. Manpower will be provided by a PDRA project scientist employed fulltime for 12 months, under the supervision of the PI from Leicester and Co-Is from Bristol, and assisted by one month mechanical technician effort at Leicester. The year long schedule comprises 5 work packages :-1. A review of existing data on deposited diamond film characteristics, identification of likely dynode candidates (dopant concentrations, process parameters, etc., surface modification) and simulation and modelling of dynode performance.2. Investigation of diamond coating techniques including CVD deposition and inkjet printing of diamond powder in a conductive nano-particle matrix.3. Manufacture of diamond coated dynodes using a preferred range of process parameters, dopant concentrations, and surface modification, including investigation of transparent dynode structures using diamond coated meshes. Following characterization, one process iteration will be undertaken.4. Measurement of secondary electron emission characteristics (emission coefficient, energy and angular distribution) for various diamond coated dynode samples as a function of input electron energy and angle.5. Performance evaluation of a discrete dynode photomultiplier tube designed for, and using diamond coated dynodesThe collaboration with Photek Ltd. will enable the project team to demonstrate diamond dynode proof-of-concept using a photo-multiplier tube specially designed for this purpose. Photek will contribute in-kind assistance with PMT design and assembly and dynode performance demonstration in return for the academic partners' development of suitable diamond coating techniques and agreement to negotiate arrangements for possible commercialization.This project is synergistic with an imminent Basic technology Consortium Building proposal to establish a developer and end-user network for the development of revolutionary technologies for generic photon and counting particle sensor systems. The goal is to provide step change in detector performance enabling ground-braking application across a broad range of disciplines.