Sensitive High Speed Detector for Synchrotron Applications

Third-generation synchrotron sources, such as the Advanced Photon Source (APS), are outstanding facilities for X-ray diffraction and scattering of non-crystalline biological materials. However, their full potential has not been realized because of the lack of detectors that can provide multiple frames of detailed structural information at the required millisecond time scales and extremely high count rates available at these sources. In addition, these applications require X-ray detectors with high spatial resolution, large area, high-sensitivity, and millisecond time resolution. This project will develop a novel X-ray imaging detector that can simultaneously provide millisecond time resolution, high spatial resolution, large imaging area, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range at a substantially reduced cost compared to current detector systems. The detector will be based on two new technologies: (1) a very bright, high resolution, scintillator that offers unique advantages for high speed imaging, and (2) a novel readout that provides millisecond time resolution with significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio. Phase I demonstrated a sensitivity that was 2.5 times higher than that of state-of-the-art detectors ¿ close to what is needed for a majority of applications. A novel semiconductor scintillator was fabricated in the structured form needed for high resolution imaging. Phase II will focus on the photodetector development, optimization of the scintillator performance, and the fabrication and evaluation of the instrument. In particular, a low cost, large area, high speed detector for time-resolved X-ray imaging of biological and other industrial specimens will be fabricated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Besides being ideally suited for time-resolved studies, the detector should find widespread use in pre-clinical and clinical imaging, biological imaging, high-speed computer tomography, non-destructive testing, and basic physics research. Due to its compact nature and low cost, the proposed detector also should be ideally suited for homeland security applications, ranging from baggage scanning to detection of biological agents.