El-Mul’s patented OptiMax™ platform utilizes an MCP-scintillator-light sensor chain for high gain ion detection. Implementation of OptiMax with ScintiFast™ further provides very short response times.
The platform decouples the MCP high voltage from the signal output and enables bi-polar operation for the detection of positive and negative ions. An important advantage is its extended life time, achieved by eliminating the second MCP plate from the detection chain.
Ions hit a single MCP plate, generating an amplified electron signal. Electrons are accelerated towards the ScintiFast™, where their energy is transformed to photons. Photons are detected by a photon sensor and signal is extracted.