Precision Engineering with 3D Printed Micro Channel Plates

Introduction

In industries where precision, customization, and high-performance materials are essential, micro channel plates (MCPs) are widely used for applications such as imaging, detection, and fluid dynamics. Traditional methods of manufacturing MCPs, while effective, can be limited in terms of design flexibility, scalability, and customization for specialized tasks. Our patented 3D printing method for creating micro channel plates introduces a groundbreaking solution that combines the versatility of additive manufacturing with the precision required for advanced microstructures.

Limitations of Traditional MCP Manufacturing

Micro channel plates are key components in a variety of high-tech applications, including electron detectors, photomultipliers, and microfluidic devices. However, conventional manufacturing techniques often involve costly, time-intensive processes that limit the ability to create customized designs or prototypes quickly. Furthermore, these methods can restrict innovation due to the challenges of producing complex geometries or altering existing MCP designs to suit specific applications.

For industries requiring high-performance components, the ability to rapidly prototype and customize MCPs to meet specific needs is critical to maintaining a competitive edge.

A 3D Printed Solution for Micro Channel Plates

Our patented 3D printing process for micro channel plates offers an innovative solution that allows for rapid prototyping, customization, and production of intricate microstructures. Using advanced 3D printing techniques, manufacturers can create MCPs with precise channel configurations, customized designs, and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods. This process allows for faster turnaround times, making it ideal for both research and commercial applications that demand flexibility and innovation.

The use of 3D printing also opens new possibilities for producing MCPs that are tailored to specific fluidic or electronic properties, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications, including microfluidics, particle detection, and image intensification. The ability to design and print MCPs on-demand reduces lead times, lowers production costs, and provides greater control over the final product.

Key Benefits

Customization: Design and print MCPs with complex geometries tailored to specific needs.
Rapid Prototyping: Quickly develop and iterate designs for research or commercial use.
Cost-Effective: Lower production costs through additive manufacturing compared to traditional methods.
Versatile Applications: Suitable for use in biotechnology, microfluidics, and advanced imaging technologies.

Advancing Precision Engineering with 3D Printing

Licensing this 3D printed micro channel plate technology offers manufacturers and researchers a flexible, cost-effective solution for creating high-performance MCPs. By embracing this innovative process, businesses can meet the growing demand for customized, precision-engineered components across a range of industries.

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Abstract
Claims

The invention provides a gain device having a plurality of channels having a polygonal shape with four or more sides. The invention also provides a method for producing microchannel plates (MCPs) having the steps of providing a pre-polymer; and directing a laser over the pre-polymer into a pre-determined pattern. Also provided is method for efficiently 3D printing an object.

1. A gain device comprising a plurality of channels having a polygonal shape with four or more sides.

2. The gain device of claim 1 wherein the channels having a polygonal shape are hexagonal channels.

3. The gain device of claim 1 wherein the channels having a polygonal shape extend transversely through the device so as to define a first channel end and a second channel end.

4. The gain device of claim 1 wherein the device is at least 1.2 mm thick, and wherein the device has a diameter that is at least one cm.

5. The gain device of claim 3 wherein the first and second channel ends are coated with a conductive layer.

6. The gain device of claim 5 wherein the conductive layer is a conductive material selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum, palladium, nichrome, copper, and combinations thereof.

7. The gain device of claim 5 wherein the channels having a polygonal shape have interior surfaces, and wherein the interior surfaces are coated with a first resistive coating and a secondary electron emissive coating.

8. The gain device of claim 7 wherein the resistive coating comprises a combination of Al₂O₃and tungsten, and wherein the secondary electron emissive coating is made from a material selected from the group consisting of Al₂O₃, MgO, and combinations thereof.

9. The gain device of claim 7 wherein the first coating is between 10 and 1000 nm thick and the second coating is between 1-100 nm thick.

10. The gain device of claim 3 wherein the device has an open area ratio of at least 80 percent.

11. The gain device of claim 4 wherein the device provides 10⁴gain.

Title

3d printed micro channel plate, method of making and using 3d printed micro channel plate

Inventor(s)

Robert G. Wagner, Michael J. Pellin, Howard Nicholson, Lei XiaJingbo Wang, Junqi Xie, Anil U. Mane, Jeffrey W. Elam

Assignee(s)

UChicago Argonne LLC

Patent #

20190318896

Patent Date

October 17, 2019