Patent ID: 6731065
Filing Date: 2004-05-04
Classification: G01T,H01J

Abstract:
An apparatus for detection of radiation comprising:a photocathode layer having a first surface to release photoelectrons in dependence on incident radiation; a radiation entrance arranged such that a beam of radiation enters into the apparatus through said radiation entrance and impinges on said photocathode layer at grazing incidence; an electron avalanche amplifier facing the first surface of said photocathode to avalanche amplify photoelectrons released from said photocathode layer; and a readout arrangement to detect avalanche amplified electrons from said amplifier, wherein said radiation entrance is arranged so that the beam of radiation enters into the apparatus between said photocathode layer and said electron avalanche amplifier and impinges onto the first surface of said photocathode; and said photocathode layer releases photoelectrons from its first surface in response thereto.