Advanced STJ Spectrometer for X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy at the Synchrotron

X-ray absorption spectroscopy is a widely used experimental technique for studying the composition and chemistry of materials and is one of the driving forces behind the explosive growth of synchrotron light sources and their increase in brightness by many orders of magnitude. However, advances in detector technology have not kept pace with advances in synchrotron brightness, leading to limitations on scientific output and research capabilities. Research carried out in during Phase I and Phase II has led to the development of high energy resolution, high count rate superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) X-ray detectors based on Ta thin films with world record performance. This project is being extended in scope to include in Phase IIB the development of a turn-key X-ray spectrometer that will meet growing needs for advanced detectors for synchrotron science applications. Several prototype STJ detectors and detector arrays were successfully fabricated and characterized at the synchrotron during Phase I and II. World record energy resolution has been achieved at the synchrotron using a multi-pixel STJ detector array. For Phase IIB, STAR Cryoelectronics proposes to extend the scope of the Phase II project to include the development of a complete, turn-key X-ray spectrometer that will be easy to use by researchers at synchrotron facilities. This is an essential prerequisite for the successful commercialization of this breakthrough technology. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The new X-ray spectrometer based on STJ detector arrays will meet compelling needs for improved detector instrumentation for X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the synchrotron. This powerful spectroscopy technique is used to study the local molecular and electronic structure of specific elements. XAS samples can be highly diluted and generally do not require substantial pre-treatment, and they can range from chemicals and biological samples or tissues to soils and rocks. The significant performance enhancements that will be realized with the STJ X- ray spectrometer will lead to greater scientific productivity and return on the Nations substantial capital investment in synchrotron facilities.