Three-dimensional model of x-ray induced microchannel plate output

Microchannel plates are an important component in a type of imaging diagnostic known as an x-ray framing camera, used in x-ray radiography of high-energy-density physics experiments. A microchannel plate is responsible for detecting x rays and then converting them into amplified bursts of electrons, which are then imaged onto a phosphor-coated fiber optic screen. We present the preliminary development of a three-dimensional model of a single microchannel plate channel in attempt to simulate the pulse height distribution of the microchannel plate electron output. Using a novel technique, initial simulations are compared with experimental data from an ungated x-ray framing camera. © 2006 American Institute of Physics. DOI: 10.1063/1.2220072