Photon address digital detector system (PADDS): a cost-effective imaging photon detector

We describe the implementation of an imaging photon detector for the photon address digital detector system (PADDS). The concept is based on combining an image intensifier with a position-sensitive photomultiplier tube with c rossed-wire anodes. Particular emphasis is placed on modularity and flexibi lity. A digital signal processor evaluates events in realtime. The compact detector system is able to process photon events with high precision in tim e with only moderate computing power of the host system. Laboratory experim ents show the feasibility of the approach presented for observing rapidly v arying sources at low light levels. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America. OC IS codes: 040.1490, 040.3780, 040.5250, 110.2970, 350.1270, 000.3110.