MULTI-ELEMENT ELECTRON-TRANSFER OPTICAL DETECTOR SYSTEM

摘要

A multi-element optical detector system includes an electrically resistive screen (12) that is substantially transparent to radiation energy (14) having a wavelength of interest. A plurality of electron transfer elements (18,32) (e.g., a low work function photoactive material or a carbon nanotube (CNT)-based element) are provided with each having a first end and a second end. The first end of each element is spaced apart from the screen_by an evacuated gap (20). When the radiation energy passes through the screen with a bias voltage (16) applied thereto, transfer of electrons through each element is induced from the first end top the second end such that a quantity indicative of the electrons transferred through each element can be detected (52).