The ion barrier film at the input of the microchannel plate(MCP) plays an important role in improving the lifetime of the third generation image tube.The advantages and disadvantages of existing ion barrier films are analyzed
and a novel ion barrier film causing no carbon contamination in inner channel surface is proposed.A 4nm thick Al
2
O
3
ion barrier film at the input of MCP is fabricated.Theion barrier and electron transmission effectiveness of ion barrier film at theinput of MCP are measured.Results of the experiment show that a 4nm thick Al
2
O
3
ion barrier film is characterized by ion feedback prevention and high electron transmission.