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Beneq and Exosens: Pioneering the Future of Lead-Free MCPs with ALD Technology

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Beneq and Photonis Scientific, part of the Exosens Group, have announced a revolutionary advancement in Microchannel Plate (MCP) technology. This partnership aims to replace traditional lead-based materials with lead-free, ALD-enabled solutions, ushering in a new era of sustainable manufacturing and heightened performance standards in various detection applications.

Transitioning to Lead-Free Solutions

Historically, MCPs, essential for numerous high-performing detection systems such as medical imaging, mass spectrometry, and scientific instrumentation, were manufactured using lead-silicate glass. However, as environmental regulations tighten and the demand for sustainable practices surge, the industry is pivoting towards lead-free alternatives. This collaborative initiative led by Beneq and Exosens seeks to meet those demands while enhancing the performance capabilities of MCPs.

The ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) technology is at the heart of this transformation, allowing for the precise, conformal deposition of thin films on MCPs. This technology decouples the characteristics of the glass substrate from those of the conductive and electron emissive coatings, enabling tailored optimization for each component. As a result, manufacturers can achieve improved performance metrics, increased manufacturing yields, and versatility to adapt to market demands.

The Benefits of ALD in MCP Production

ALD technology significantly enhances the MCP production landscape by enabling the elimination of hazardous materials while simultaneously improving performance benchmarks. The lead-free MCPs produced via ALD exhibit several advantages:

• - Enhanced stability and performance
• - Reduced electronic noise levels
• - Lower operating voltages
• - Decreased power consumption

Furthermore, ALD technology facilitates advanced MCP designs capable of performing well under demanding conditions, contributing to an extended device lifespan—up to ten times longer than traditional methods.

According to Ulrich Laupper, President and Executive General Manager of the Exosens Ultimate Detection Business Unit, “The introduction of ALD into MCP production marks a significant advancement for the industry. By leveraging ALD technology, we’re able to align sustainability with high-performance detection solutions that address the evolving market’s needs as well as prepare for future applications.”

Accelerating Growth in MCP Markets

Photonis Scientific chose to partner with Beneq to utilize its customizable TFS 500 ALD system, which supports MCP development across all stages—from research and development to pilot runs and full-scale manufacturing. Beneq's modular tool designs offer precise control over deposition parameters, ensuring that they can meet the rigorous specifications required for MCP coatings, while also catering to scalability and cost efficiency.

Till Cremer, a research and development scientist at Photonis Scientific, expressed confidence in the collaboration, stating, “Beneq's ALD tools provide the flexibility and precision necessary to enhance our MCP coatings and expand our production capabilities. Their customized solutions have unlocked new potentials in MCP technology, which is invaluable for commercial applications.”

Through partnerships like the one between Beneq and Exosens, the industry is poised to expand the market for ALD-enabled MCP technologies. Tailoring performance attributes such as operational stability, noise reduction, and energy efficiency positions MCPs as a crucial detection technology across many sectors, including industrial, medical, and scientific fields.

About Photonis

Photonis Is a leading brand that has been at the forefront of high-tech manufacturing for over 85 years, specializing in the development and production of advanced electro-optical technologies. Their innovations provide solutions for ultra-demanding environments such as defense, security, nuclear safety, life sciences, and industrial non-destructive testing. With operations in both Europe and North America, Photonis is internationally recognized as a significant innovator in its field.

For more information, visit exosens.com.

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This article was published by Cision and can be accessed at Cision News.