MCP (Microchannel Plate)

A metal-coated glass disk that mulitplies the electrons produced by the photocathode. An MCP is found only in Gen 2 or Gen 3 systems. MCPs eliminate the distortion characteristic of Gen 0 and Gen 1 systems. The number of holes (channels) in an MCP is a major factor in determining resolution. ITT Industries’ MCPs have 10.6 million holes or channels compared to the previous standard of 3.14 million.