UV/visible high-sensitivity MCP-PMT single-photon GHz counting detector for long-range lidar instrumentations

In this paper, the focus is on the implementation of Photonis MCP-PMT single-photon counting detector for long-range lidar applications. The properties of fast MCP-PMTs, based on UV–visible Hi-QE (sensitivity above 30%), low dark rate (< 100 Hz) photocathodes, and on Hi-CE MCPs with collection efficiency approaching 100%, are studied at low and high levels of illumination. GHz detection capability for burst photon fluxes is demonstrated, non-linearity effects for high average rate of illumination are studied, MCP-PMTs with extended linearity are presented, and the operational lifetime of the detector at nominal gain of 10 5 is proved to be about 10 C (4 C/cm 2 ) of integrated anode charge. Along with these properties, the implementation of Photonis extended lifetime next technology and possibility of fast gating makes these devices unique for future atmospheric and altimetry lidar missions.