Proximity focused streak tube and streak camera using the same

摘要

Proximity focused streak tube having a photocathode for converting photon images into photoelectrons. A phosphorous screen is provided for receiving the photoelectrons. The photocathode and the phosphorous screen define a longitudinal tube axis. A passive channel plate is provided which has a plurality of parallel bores therein. The channel plate is disposed in relatively close proximity to the photocathode and so that the bores are inclined at an angle with respect to longitudinal tube axis so as to minimize feedthrough of visible photons. A source of voltage is connected between the photocathode and the passive channel plate causing the photoelectrons to be extracted from the photocathode and to pass through the bores in the channel plate. First and second spaced apart beam electrodes are disposed between the channel plate and the phosphorous screen. Another voltage source is utilized for applying a voltage differential between the beam electrodes to cause the photoelectrons to move in the direction across the screen. The beam electrodes are arranged asymmetrically of the tube axis to compensate for the inclination of the channel plate with respect to the tube axis. The passive channel plate is very flat so that the voltage differential which is applied between the photocathode and the channel plate can be relatively high to provide a high electron field. A fiber optic input is utilized which is also inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal tube axis so that the fiber optic bundles are in alignment with the bores provided in the faceplate. A fiber optic output window is provided which carries the phosphorous screen and provides the luminous streaked images which are photographed.