High-Resolution X-Ray Camera System

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December 1, 2020

The system has applications in X-ray spectroscopy, pump probes, and molecule imaging.

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, Batavia, Illinois

A large-area detector without any dead space capable of handling a large dynamic range does not currently exist. Current large-area detectors have dead zones created by abutting several modules together. These detectors are counting detectors, which are good only for low-flux operations.

The High-Resolution X-Ray Camera System is a large-area, high-spatial-resolution camera system for detection of x-rays with pixels capable of handling signals of up to five orders of magnitude dynamic range and in-situ storage of images acquired at high speed (multi-megahertz frequency).

The pixelated detector system is up to 20 × 20 cm with small pixel sizes on the order of 100-150 μm (side) without any dead space. Each pixel can integrate a wide dynamic range charge of five orders of magnitude 1 fC to 100 pC from the detector that is equivalent to the range of 1 to 105 photons impinging on a single pixel at a multi-megahertz frequency (6.5 MHz). The system achieves both the required resolution at the low end and adequate dynamic range with good linearity.

For more information, contact Aaron G. Sauers at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; 630-840-4432.

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