An image intensifier (I.I.) is a device that amplifies the brightness of an image created by faint light, X-rays, or particle beams by thousands to tens of thousands of times. There are two main types: the "X-ray I.I.," which is primarily used to visualize X-rays, and the "Micro-Channel Plate Image Intensifier (MCP-I.I.)," which visualizes extremely faint light, such as fluorescence.
In an X-ray I.I., incoming X-rays are first converted into visible light by an input phosphor screen, causing a photocathode to emit electrons. The electrons emitted from the photocathode are accelerated, focused using focus electrodes and an anode power supply, and imaged onto the output phosphor screen. An electrostatic lens configuration is utilized at the electrodes to focus the electrons and form the image. X-ray I.I.s are mainly used in industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment, medical and dental X-ray systems, and X-ray imaging.
In an MCP-I.I., faint light such as fluorescence is converted into electrons by the photocathode, and these electrons are multiplied by a Micro-Channel Plate (MCP). The amplified electrons then strike a phosphor screen, which serves as a display to output the image. To drive and accelerate electrons from the photocathode through to the phosphor screen, high voltage is applied across each component to establish a precise electric field. MCP-I.I.s are utilized in scientific research, faint light measurement in biotechnology, security surveillance, and night-vision goggles for military applications.
Matsusada Precision offers a comprehensive lineup of high-voltage power supplies designed to precisely accelerate, focus, and amplify electrons in both X-ray I.I.s and MCP-I.I.s, including isolated DC/DC converters and power supplies that can be operated in floating configurations. While semiconductor-based X-ray Flat Panel Detectors (FPDs) and high-sensitivity CMOS night vision systems have become increasingly widespread in recent years, image intensifiers remain vital in applications requiring ultra-fast gating and high-gain characteristics. Matsusada Precision continues to support these diverse imaging technologies with highly stable, state-of-the-art power solutions.
- Related Terms:
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- X-ray
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Night-Vision Goggles
- CT
- Faint Light Measurement
- X-ray Imaging
- Micro-Channel Plate
- Electrostatic Lens
- Photocathode
- Phosphor Screen
- Electron Optics
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Matsusada Precision offers a comprehensive lineup of high-voltage power supplies for accelerating and focusing electrons in X-ray image intensifiers and MCP image intensifiers.
