Advances in the Large Area Picosecond Photo-Detector (LAPPD): 8" x 8" MCP-PMT with Capacitively Coupled Readout

Abstract

We present advances made in the Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPD), an 8" $\times$ 8" microchannel plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT), since pilot production was initiated at Incom, Inc. in 2018. The Gen-I LAPPD utilizes a stripline anode for direct charge readout. The novel Gen-II LAPPD employs an internal resistive thin-film which capacitively couples to a customizable external signal readout board, streamlining production. The Gen-II LAPPD, with an active area of 373 cm${}^2$, is capable of high single photoelectron (PE) gain of $\sim$10${}^7$, low dark rates ($\sim$1 kHz/cm${}^2$), single PE timing resolution of $\sim$65 ps, and $\mathcal{O}$(mm) position resolution. Coupled with a UV-grade fused silica window, the LAPPD features a high quantum efficiency (QE) bialkali photocathode of $>$30% with spectral response down to $\sim$165 nm. The LAPPD is an excellent candidate for electromagnetic calorimeter (ECAL) timing layers, photon-based neutrino detectors, high energy collider experiments, medical imaging systems, and nuclear non-proliferation applications.