9361967 Brandes The unique properties of semiconducting diamond may be exploited to create novel, compact, low-noise photon and particle detectors. Photomultiplier tubes are the detector of choice when light levels are low or when the proper signal must be extracted from a cluttered background. Continuous dynodes, known as channel electron multipliers, are widely used as particle detectors. Innovative changes in these devices would greatly enhance their utility, sensitivity, stability and lifetime. ATM proposes such a change - utilize the unusual properties of diamond to create a high gain, low-noise, compact, stable, and sturdy electron multiplier (dynode) chain. Recent advances in chemical vapor deposition of negative electron affinity (NEA) diamond have made this feasible. In the Phase I program we propose to optimize the growth of NEA diamond and to fully investigate the multiplicative and emissive properties of the material. Phase II will extend the Phase I program to include fabrication and testing of a prototype photon and particle detectors. A successful demonstration of the secondary electron emission properties of negative electron affinity diamond will make possible advance diamond-based photon and particle detectors. The commercial applications for high gain, low noise, compact detectors or sensors are many, particularly in medicine (PET or SPECT detectors), pollution monitoring laser radar and absorption or emission spectroscopy. *** v s t N I N $ $ $ ( F / N N / 1 Courier Symbol & Arial 5 Courier New " h uB %uB % ? C R:WW20USERABSTRACT.DOT Denise Henry Denise Henry
