Capture efficiency (CE) is a critical performance parameter for microchannel plates (MCPs), yet its accurate measurement remains challenging. In this study, we propose an innovative method for evaluating the CE of newly fabricated MCPs based on the detection of a photoelectron beam generated by UV light irradiation of a zinc plate. When incident photoelectrons are detected by the MCPs, they produce a series of disordered pulse signals. We demonstrate that the average pulse interval (denoted as Ts) correlates with the number of electrons entering the microchannels, enabling the assessment of CE differences among various MCPs under identical experimental conditions. Additionally, by partially blocking the incident surface to modulate the active area of the MCP, we established a relationship between Ts and active area, providing a means to roughly quantify CE. This method offers a straightforward alternative for assessing MCP performance, with reduced platform requirements and operational complexity.

Integrating functional perovskites on an amorphous microchannel plate (MCP) glass faces challenges regarding the lack of ordered nucleation sites and stringent thermal budgets. Herein, we propose a surface energetics-based atomic layer deposition (ALD) strategy to achieve template-assisted oriented BaTiO₃ growth via a (101)-oriented anatase TiO₂ seed layer. Systematic investigation of the TiCl₄/O₃ process reveals a kinetic-to-thermodynamic transition at 300 °C, triggering a singular (101) preferred orientation. Combined DFT calculations and Wulff construction elucidate that this texture evolution is governed by a thermally activated surface energy minimization mechanism, driven by the intrinsic stability of the (101) facet. Crucially, the optimized seed layer acts as a multifunctional template: it not only transforms BaTiO₃ growth from random polycrystalline morphology to a singular (100) orientation with suppressed bulk carbonate impurities but also ensures excellent conformality and uniformity throughout the high aspect ratio microchannels. This study clarifies the thermodynamic mechanism of oriented growth on amorphous substrates, providing a versatile surface engineering pathway for constructing high-performance MCP-based heterojunction devices.

Microchannel plates (MCPs), a critical glass-based functional material, are widely utilized in high-tech fields such as lowlight night vision, high-energy physics detectors, medical diagnostics, and mass spectrometry due to their superior signal amplification and high-resolution capabilities. The open area ratio (OAR), a key performance metric for MCPs, directly correlates with the proportion of the effective detection area to the total area, and improving the OAR remains a central challenge in performance optimization. Traditional channel designs often sacrifice structural integrity to increase the OAR, limiting their practical applications. In this paper, we propose an innovative design featuring a hexagonal outer and circular inner channel structure, which significantly enhances the channel packing coefficient (from approximately 0.907 to 1). Utilizing etching techniques, we successfully achieve an OAR exceeding 91%, reducing the risk of tip discharge while significantly improving the MCP’s detection efficiency and reliability. Furthermore, to address the issue of abnormal dark current caused by residuals from traditional etching methods, we introduce a novel fabrication method to produce triangular glass fibers and modified the hexagonal tube design to integrate these fibers which effectively reduces dark current. This research not only overcomes a key bottleneck in MCP design which significantly increases the OAR of MCP but also opens new avenues for developing specialized glass fibers, with promising applications across various industries.