How do second/third generation intensifiers work ?
Rather than using a simple open vacuum tube as in first generation devices, a very thin perforated glass disk known as a Micro Channel Plate (MCP) is used for electron amplification. The MCPs allow electrons to be multiplied by between ten thousand and a million times. Thus second / third generation devices can potentially give a light amplification of up to 50,000 times. Second generation devices use a tri-alkali photocathode. Third generation devices use a material called Gallium Arsenide within their photocathodes which give much enhanced performance in the infrared spectrum of light.
