Imaging Photon Counting Detectors for High Time Resolution Astronomy.

Ground based high time resolution astronomical (HTRA) observations require specialised detectors. Photon counting detectors that combine high spatial resolution imaging with fast event timing capability have been a significant technical challenge. We have developed a high-temporal and -spatial resolution, high-throughput sealed tube microchannel plate detector with electronic readout as a tool for HTRA applications. The design is based on a 25 mm diameter S20 photocathode followed by a microchannel plate stack, read out by a cross delay line anode with timing and imaging electronics. The detector supports 500 kHz global count rate, 10 kHz /100 μm2/sec local count rate, and 100 ps timing resolution. We also describe high time resolution astronomical observations currently being obtained with the NASA GALEX UV satellite, as well as preliminary visible wavelength imaging results obtained on the Crab pulsar at the Lick Observatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]