The LAPPD Project (Michael J. Minot )

In April 2014, Incom Inc. received funding from the US Department of Energy to create infrastructure and demonstrate a pathway toward pilot production of the Large Area Picosecond Photodetector (LAPPDTM).  Our facility became operational at the end of November, 2015, and since then, we have initiated commissioning trials to exercise the newly designed hardware and to evolve our process technology.  Development has progressed at a good pace, and as we enter 2017 we have demonstrated integration and sealing of LAPPDs as follows: 
- Sept 14, 2016,  First Sealed Tile , with an Aluminum Photocathode. 
- Oct. 11, 2016, First Sealed Tile with Bialkali Photocathode .  Still operating today.   
- Dec. 21, 2016, Photocathode QE (maximum / average / minimum @365nm) = 16.5% / 11.1% / 6.7%  
- Jan 26, 2017, Photocathode QE (maximum / average / minimum @365nm) = 31.2% / 24.8% / 17.9 

As we look to the coming year, we expect to continue to optimize detail design and process issues, and transition from “commissioning” to true “pilot production” to serve the needs of “early adopters” that seek prototypes for testing.  

Results to date show the following:
-First demonstrations of fully functional, sealed LAPPD!
-World largest flat panel MCP-PMTs with bi-alkali photocathode
-Questions about indium seal technology finally put to rest.
-We are producing functional LAPPDs, and are starting to understand and improve their characteristics and performance. 
-Transition from “commissioning” to “exploitation  stage” and prototype fabrication expected soon!