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This is a microchannel plate array from an interim version of the X-ray detector intended for the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facilty (AXAF). The Einstein X-ray telescope satellite (HEAO-2), launched in 1978, was the first to be equipped with a high resolution imager (HRI) to visualize the structure of astronomical X-sources. The overall detector included this microchannel plate backed by a cross-grid detector. The plate converted incident X-ray photons to electrons and amplified them by orders of magnitude. The signal was picked up by the cross grid detector and its strength and location used to build an image of the source. The X-Ray Astronomy group at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory designed and built this scaled-up version of the HRI on the way to building the imager that was installed on the final version of the AXAF which was named Chandra just before its launch. This microchannel plate is a model closely related to those used in military night vision devices. SAO transferred it to NASM in 2002.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
INSTRUMENTS-Scientific
Manufacturer
Phillips Electro-optics Dimensions
3-D: 13.3 × 10.8 × 2.2cm (5 1/4 × 4 1/4 × 7/8 in.) Materials
Ceramic
Aluminum
Glass
Copper Alloy
Plastic Inventory Number
A20020290001
Credit Line
Transferred from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, Harvard University.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.