Development of New Photocathode Transfer Technique and Its Application to Image Intensifier

Abstract

To fabricate photocathodes in proximity configuration, new Photocathode Transfer Technique was developed.
Photocathodes made by conventional transfer techniques have been known to give tubes with short operational life times. We have developed an improved method of achieving stabilization of sensitivity by introducing a new method called “Alkali Balancing”, and have opened an effective way to the practical use of the proximity-focusing system.
In this paper, the new transfer equipment and the photocathode processing techniques are described in detail.
By using this technique we have also developed a proximity-focused image intensifier. This tube demonstrates a distortion-free image with a uniform resolution capability over the entire field of view. Dimensions, structure and characteristics of the tubes are also described.