Recent progress with multi-anode microchannel array detector systems

The construction and modes of operation of Multi-Anode Microchannel Arrays (MAMA's) are briefly reviewed. The MAMA detectors, which are a family of photoelectric, photon-counting array detectors being developed specifically for use in instruments on ground-based and space-borne telescopes, combine the high sensitivity and photometric stability of a conventional channel electron multiplier with a high-resolution imaging capability. The MAMA detectors feature low applied potential (less than 3 kV), high gain (greater than 10 to the 6th electrons/pulse), an absolute event timing accuracy of 100 ns or better, a very long count lifetime (greater than 2.5 x 10 to the 11th counts/sq mm), and a power consumption of less than 30 W for a complete system