Wide Dynamic Range X-ray Mixed-Mode Pixel Array Detector
- Sydor Instruments, LLC, Fairport, NY (United States)
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 that make use of these advancements. Unfortunately, most current x-ray detector technologies 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. One response from the detector community to this scientific need is the Mixed-Mode Pixel Array Detector (MM-PAD) developed by the Cornell Detector Group. The MM-PAD ASIC uses a unique pixel architecture that allows scientists to observe a large dynamic range of information during experiments, from direct x-ray beam profile, to faint diffraction patterns and single photon events – without adaptive gain. Sydor has evolved this technology from proof of concept to a fully commercialized device, producing a user friendly and robust solution to the light source community. The Sydor MM-PAD has 4-side tiled sensors, single photon sensitivity, read noise $$<$$ 0.2 photons, and a full well capacity greater than 107 photons/s/pixel. Previous testing in the lab (Sydor, Cornell) and during synchrotron testing at the APS validated Sydor's commercial design with x-rays and in target applications. System development during this program included design work for all required changes to scale up and produce a 1024 x 1024 pixel array. This included changes to the mechanical enclosure, a new revision of the back plane board, modifying all levels of software/firmware, and determining the best way to provide power and cooling to the detector. Along with this effort, the original 512 x 512 pixel design was tested at the CHESS FAST beamline and APS HPCAT beamline for performance and overall ease of use. Testing allowed Sydor to begin seeding the market and perform real use case testing with new hardware and software during development for the 1024 x 1024 detector. Overall, this development program produced a design for a large area pixel array detector that will meet the needs of beamline scientists at upgraded light sources for a continuous framing camera with a large dynamic range.
- Research Organization:
- Sydor Instruments
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- Contributing Organization:
- Cornell University Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics
- DOE Contract Number:
- SC0017139
- OSTI ID:
- 1888305
- Type / Phase:
- SBIR (Phase IIB)
- Report Number(s):
- 2022_SBIR_MMPADIIB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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