Novel MCP-Based Electron Source Studies

Microchannel plates (MCPs) were recently proposed as novel type of cathodes for electron guns, suitable for applications in design of electron lenses. We report results of the first systematic study of microchannel plate based photomultiplier time response and maximum current density tests using different sources of light pulses. The Burle 85011-501 MCP-PMT is found to have good time response properties being capable of producing nanosecond long pulses with modest maximum current density and performance strongly dependent on magnetic field strength.