Review of Measured Photon Detection Efficiencies of Microchannel Plates

In this paper, we examine the history of detection efficiency measurements of photons (soft to hard X-rays and beyond) with microchannel plates (MCPs). We investigate the detection efficiency as a function of photon energy over a wide energy range, from a few hundred eVs up to 20 MeV. We also investigate detection efficiency as a function of incident angle onto the MCP. We interpreted the published efficiency data measured with a variety of MCPs and the use of MCP coatings for enhancement of X-ray quantum detection efficiency, and discuss theoretical expectations based on the main photon interactions with matter: the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production. Contributing to the published literature at the highest end of the energy range, we also discuss our photon detection efficiency experiments from 2.5 to 20 MeV and theoretical implications.