Keck-PAD Fast-Framing Hybrid X-ray Pixel Array Detector

The capabilities of modern x-ray light sources have opened up new areas of research in the study of in-situ fast irreversible processes. Irreversible processes or “single shot” experiments are challenging since they require detectors that can obtain a succession of x-ray images within the time frame of the process in question. This requires high sensitivity, wide dynamic range x-ray detection at frame rates approaching the bunch repetition rates of modern light sources. Today, the capability to do such research is limited by the current state of detector technology. Statement of how this problem is being addressed A novel fast framing hybridized x-ray imaging detector has been demonstrated called the Keck-PAD. The laboratory prototype Keck-PAD has been shown to be capable of acquiring up to 12 successive x-ray images at frame rates of ~7 MHz with single x-ray (e.g., @10keV) sensitivity and with a dynamic range exceeding 103 x-rays/pixel/frame. These specifications provide the performance needed to study in-situ fast irreversible processes. The proposed program will transition this technology from the laboratory into a commercial instrument. What was done in Phase I and II? The Phase I effort demonstrated the feasibility of developing a Keck-PAD architecture to meet immediate and future detector needs for emerging applications. In Phase II the technology to enable four side tileable detection elements was developed and an engineering prototype was built with rudimentary software control. What is planned for the Phase IIa project? In Phase IIa, the engineering prototype detector built in Phase II will be operationally tested and then performance tested at a synchrotron facility. In parallel, an industry standard user interface will be developed and incorporated in to a beta prototype to support further testing at a partner synchrotron facility. Based on experiences learned from the prototype detectors a pre-commercial release device will be designed incorporating all user feedback and necessary system modifications. Commercial Applications and Other Benefit The commercialization of the Keck-PAD will provide researchers with unprecedented capabilities not available today in x-ray detectors. The ability of acquiring x-ray data in the MHz regime through direct x- ray detection would allow users to extract more time resolved data from a single-shot or irreversible-process experiment with high accuracy. These advancements will help overcome the limitations which in many cases currently hinder the science yielded from the study of fast irreversible processes.