Cathode plate, position sensitive neutral particle sensor using such a cathode plate, sensing system and camera both using such a sensor.

摘要

A position-sensitive neutral particle sensor comprises two spaced parallel cathode arrays (10, 12), each comprising a plurality of metal strips (16, 20) arranged adjacent and edge to edge, the strips in one array being orthogonal to the strips in the other array, the metal of which the cathode arrays are formed being such that an incident neutral particle is converted to a fast electron which escapes from the cathode; and an anode array (14) between and parallel to the cathode arrays and comprising a plurality of spaced wires. When a neutral particle is converted by a cathode strip to a fast electron (34) an avalanche forms and its presence can be detected in one or more strips in each cathode, so that the orthogonal position is determined.