  We have studied gain vs. voltage characteristics and position resolutions of
multistep capillary plates (two or three capillary plates operating in a
cascade), as well as capillary plates operating in a mode when the main
amplification occurs between plates or between the capillary plate and the
readout plate (parallel plate amplification mode). Results of these studies
demonstrated that in the parallel-plate amplification mode one can reach both
high gains (>100000) and good position resolutions (~100 micro meter) even with
a single step arrangement. It offers a compact amplification structure, which
can be used in many applications. For example, in preliminary tests we
succeeded to combine it with a photocathode and use it as a position sensitive
gaseous photomultiplier. CsI coated capillary plates could also be used as a
high position resolution and high rate X-ray converter.
