A novel low-voltage electron-bombarded CCD readout

We present proof-of-concept results for a novel ultraviolet-sensitive, photon counting, solar blind detector that has the potential for high QE in a compact low voltage, low power, unsealed design. We utilize a delta-doped back-illuminated CCD to read out low energy electrons from a photocathode. In parallel, a new generation of high-QE ultraviolet-sensitive GaN photocathodes is being developed with initial success using delta-doping technology rather than cesiation. In this paper we present results with the new readout using a CsI test cathode, which produces events at under 1000 V accelerating potential