Wide Dynamic Range X-ray Mixed-Mode Pixel Array Detector

Synchrotron light sources and x-ray free electron lasers are generating shorter pulses with more intense light than ever before possible. The capabilities of these new sources grant unprecedented access into the workings of the natural world. X-ray scattering experiments are among the most common and critical types of experiments conducted in the light source community today. X-ray detectors, as they currently stand, cannot accommodate the large dynamic range of collected x-rays in modern scattering experiments. This capability gap in the detector market leaves scientists unable to answer fundamental research questions. The proposed program will advance the development of a novel wide dynamic range x-ray mixed-mode pixel array detector conceived at a national laboratory. This mixed-mode detector has demonstrated single x-ray sensitivity with a dynamic range of greater than 108 photons per second per pixel with a read noise of 0.16 photons. The technology has evolved to the commercial prototype phase and the proposed program will use knowledge gathered in early stages to improve and expand upon it. Phase I leveraged the laboratory research and development at the national laboratory to initiate a technology transfer of the mixed-mode pixel array detector. This phase resulted in a conceptual design for a commercial prototype, Phase II resulted in the manufacturing of the prototype detector. Phase II also initiated laboratory and beamline characterization testing of the prototype. The primary objective of the proposed program is to further test the current 512x512 pixel commercial prototype for performance and further produce a one-megapixel detector. Electrical, mechanical, and software components will be validated and improved throughout the project with user feedback. Importantly, each commercial prototype manufactured under this work will be tested at a synchrotron. A robust and commercially supported detector available in large sizes, with the current proven performance specifications will enable x-ray scattering without the need to introduce structured semitransparent beam stops or phase diffusers, which is not possible with today’s commercial detectors. The one-megapixel detector in particular will enable wide angle experiments not previously accessible. This will lead to new higher resolution, and sharper contrast diffraction patterns and higher resolution structure determination. These advances will provide the user community with unparalleled resolution of data sets with even larger dynamic ranges, drastically improve scientist’s ability to collect data, and allow greater insight into materials.