Narrow-band spectrally selective image detection based upon the resonance ionization of mercury atoms in a low pressure cell is described. Image dimensions and intensities were measured versus the wavelength of ionizing laser radiation and the dependence upon the voltage applied to electrodes was studied. The position sensitive image of the electron beam, created by two-step resonance photoionization of mercury, was studied when the detected laser beam was scanned spatially. A distorting influence of space charge due to positive mercury ions on the electron beam image was observed. Means of eliminating these distortions are discussed. ©1998 American Institute of Physics.