Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating a film, such as, for example, a photocathode, having a tailored band structure and thin-film components that can be tailored for specific applications, such as, for example photocathode having a high quantum efficiency, and simple components fabricated by those methods.

Abstract: Gamma-ray detectors for the detection of one or more gamma-rays are provided. Also provided are methods of using the detectors for the detection of one or more gamma-rays. The detectors can be used in high-spatial resolution PET systems, including time-of-flight (TOF)-PET systems. Some of the gamma-ray detectors utilize fluors and an optical imaging system to determine the time and location of a first scattering event of a gamma-ray in a low atomic number scintillating medium. Some of the gamma-ray detectors determine the time and location of a first scattering event of a gamma-ray in a low-density scintillating medium by imaging scintillation photons from the scattering event as a time-series of photon “rings” using a planar pixilated photodetector as a scintillation photon counter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the batch production of large numbers of highly uniform multichannel-plate photomultiplier tubes (MCP-PMTs) for large-scale applications are provided. The systems and methods employ dual, nested low-vacuum (LV) and UHV processing in a rapid-cycling, small-footprint, scalable, batch-production facility that is capable of fabricating many MCP-PMTs simultaneously.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed electronic devices and methods for fabricating the hermetically sealed electronic devices are provided. The devices include a solder sealed vacuum housing. The solder seal is formed using a solder wick having an external solder reservoir. When the reservoir is filled with molten solder, the solder is drawn via capillary action into a precisely defined narrow gap between two components of the housing where it forms an airtight and vacuum-tight seal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating a film, such as, for example, a photocathode, having a tailored band structure and thin-film components that can be tailored for specific applications, such as, for example photocathode having a high quantum efficiency, and simple components fabricated by those methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the batch production of large numbers of highly uniform multichannel-plate photomultiplier tubes (MCP-PMTs) for large-scale applications are provided. The systems and methods employ dual, nested low-vacuum (LV) and UHV processing in a rapid-cycling, small-footprint, scalable, batch-production facility that is capable of fabricating many MCP-PMTs simultaneously.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed electronic devices and methods for fabricating the hermetically sealed electronic devices are provided. The devices include a solder sealed vacuum housing. The solder seal is formed using a solder wick having an external solder reservoir. When the reservoir is filled with molten solder, the solder is drawn via capillary action into a precisely defined narrow gap between two components of the housing where it forms an airtight and vacuum-tight seal.

Abstract: TOF-PET detector systems, and methods for imaging photon-emitting samples using the detector systems, are provided. The TOF-PET detector systems use large-area photodetectors with extremely high time-resolution and an approach to data collection and analysis that allows for the use of inexpensive low-density scintillator materials. The TOF-PET detector systems are characterized by their ability to identify, on a statistical basis, the transverse and depth location of the first of the series of energy deposition events that are generated when a gamma photon enters the low-density scintillator material.

Abstract: Methods and systems for fabricating a film, such as, for example, a photocathode, having a tailored band structure and thin-film components that can be tailored for specific applications, such as, for example photocathode having a high quantum efficiency, and simple components fabricated by those methods.

Abstract: In-situ methods for the batch fabrication of flat-panel micro-channel plate (MCP) photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors (MCP-PMTs), without transporting either the window or the detector assembly inside a vacuum vessel are provided. The method allows for the synthesis of a reflection-mode photocathode on the entrance to the pores of a first MCP or the synthesis of a transmission-mode photocathode on the vacuum side of a photodetector entrance window.

Abstract: TOF-PET detector systems, and methods for imaging photon-emitting samples using the detector systems, are provided. The TOF-PET detector systems use large-area photodetectors with extremely high time-resolution and an approach to data collection and analysis that allows for the use of inexpensive low-density scintillator materials. The TOF-PET detector systems are characterized by their ability to identify, on a statistical basis, the transverse and depth location of the first of the series of energy deposition events that are generated when a gamma photon enters the low-density scintillator material.

Abstract: In-situ methods for the batch fabrication of flat-panel micro-channel plate (MCP) photomultiplier tube (PMT) detectors (MCP-PMTs), without transporting either the window or the detector assembly inside a vacuum vessel are provided. The method allows for the synthesis of a reflection-mode photocathode on the entrance to the pores of a first MCP or the synthesis of a transmission-mode photocathode on the vacuum side of a photodetector entrance window.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a micro-channel plate detector. An anodized aluminum oxide membrane is provided and includes a plurality of nanopores which have an Al coating and a thin layer of an emissive oxide material responsive to incident radiation, thereby providing a plurality of radiation sensitive channels for the micro-channel plate detector.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a micro-channel plate detector. An anodized aluminum oxide membrane is provided and includes a plurality of nanopores which have an Al coating and a thin layer of an emissive oxide material responsive to incident radiation, thereby providing a plurality of radiation sensitive channels for the micro-channel plate detector.

Abstract: A detector for detecting a particle is disclosed. The detector includes a charge emitter that emits a charge in response to receipt of the particle, an anode for receiving the emitted charge, and electronics for determining whether there is received charge on the anode. The anode may include a pad for receiving the charge and a plurality of conduits (such as transmission lines) for transmitting the charge to the electronics. The anode may be designed to reduce the variance in the path length from the pad of the anode to the electronics. For example, the plurality of conduits in the anode may be constructed such that the transit time of the charge from the pad varies less than a predetermined time. Further, a capacitive element may be included in the detector in order to capacitively couple with the charge emitter. The capacitive element may include a grid that is in the same layer as the pads of the anode in order to provide a short and less variable circuit return path to the charge emitter.