Image converter tubes with diamond photocathodes and electron flow multipliers

The results of investigations of solar-blind image converter tubes (ICTs), sensitive in the vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) spectral range are presented. Sensitive-conversion layers of photocathodes based on boron-doped polycrystalline diamond films were grown up on sapphire substrates for the first time. Electron flow multipliers (EFMs) were fabricated in the form of diamond grid. Solar-blind VUV ICTs without the EFM are characterized by spectral sensitivity range of 180…250 nm, estimate of the threshold sensitivity value ~10-9 W/Hz0.5 and current sensitivity ~12 - 15 mA/W. Solar-blind VUV ICTs comprising the electron flow multipliers are characterized by extended spectral sensitivity range of 180…270 nm, improved estimate of the threshold sensitivity value 10-11… 5 × 10-12 W/Hz 0.5 and current sensitivity 50 mA/W. [Display omitted] •Solar-blind diamond photocathode is the base of ultraviolet image receiver.•Diamond photocathodes and electron flow multipliers doesn't afraid of light-striking.•Unique properties of diamond are the reason of solar-blind image receiver efficiency.•Base technology for UV image receiver is diamond heteroepitaxy on sapphire or quartz.