Performance and Characterization of X-ray Detection Devices for Laboratory Astrophysics Research

Various detection tools are utilized in laser driven experiments with a focus on Inertial Confinement Fusion and Astrophysics. Amongst them are framing cameras (devices that convert incident x-rays into electrons that are in turn amplified by a microchannel plate (MCP) and detected by a phosphor material) and x-ray films. We have implemented a detached Au transmission photocathode (160 {\AA} thick) on a MCP. We have evaluated it using a 1.5 keV Al K-alpha x-ray source, finding an improvement in the effective quantum efficiency combined with a modest decrease in the overall resolution of the detection system. We will also report results of the characterization of AGFA-D7 film using laser generated x-rays.