Patent ID: 8237129

Claim:
A microchannel plate for detecting neutrons, the microchannel plate comprising: a) a hydrogen-rich polymer substrate that defines a plurality of channels extending from a top surface of the substrate to a bottom surface of the substrate, wherein neutrons interacting with the plurality of channels generate neutron-proton interaction products and secondary electrons; b) a top electrode positioned on the top surface of the substrate; c) a bottom electrode positioned on the bottom surface of the substrate; d) a resistive layer comprising a nanolaminate structure formed over an outer surface of the plurality of channels, the resistive layer providing ohmic conduction with a resistivity that is determined by a composition of the nanolaminate structure; and e) an emissive layer formed over the resistive layer, wherein the neutron-proton interaction products interact with the plurality of channels and the emissive layer to generate secondary electrons that cascade within the plurality of channels to provide an amplified signal related to the detection of neutrons.