Development and characterization of hybrid MCP-PMT with embedded Timepix4 ASIC used as pixelated anode

We present a novel single-photon detector based on a vacuum tube incorporating a photocathode, a microchannel plate (MCP), and a Timepix4 CMOS ASIC functioning as a pixelated anode. Designed to handle photon rates up to 1 billion per second across a $7c{m}^2$ active area, the detector achieves outstanding spatial and temporal resolutions of $5-10\mu m$ and below $50ps$ r.m.s., respectively.

The Timepix4 ASIC comprises approximately 230,000 pixels, each integrating analog and digital front-end electronics. This enables data-driven acquisition and supports data transmission rates up to 160 Gb/s. External FPGA-based electronics manage both configuration and readout.

In order to test the timing performance of the Timepix4 ASIC we performed preliminary characterization of an assembly bonded to a $100\mu m$ thick n-on-p silicon sensor using a pulsed infrared laser, which demonstrated a per-pixel timing resolution of $110ps$, with cluster-based averaging methods improving to below $50ps$.

Six prototype detectors incorporating different MCP stack configurations and end-spoiling depths were produced by Hamamatsu Photonics. We report on their characterization, including dark count rates, gain, and spatial and timing resolutions, assessed both in laboratory conditions and during a test-beam campaign at CERN’s SPS facility.