solutions for x-ray detection

solutions for x-ray detection x-ray www.andor.com

x-ray detection: Andor Camera Solutions for X-ray Detection Andor manufactures a comprehensive range of CCD detection systems for a wide variety of X-ray applications, both imaging and spectroscopy. These detection systems can be used at varying energy levels and are custom configured to operate either directly in a vacuum chamber, attached to a chamber via a Conflat flange or as "stand-alone". In addition, if your application requires indirect detection of X-ray, Andor offers a range of fiber-coupled cameras. Applications that benefit from Andor s highend X-ray detection solutions include: X-ray/gamma tomography X-ray spectroscopy X-ray microscopy X-ray beam profilometry X-ray diffraction Lithography X-ray topography Plasma studies Medical imaging Thomson scattering Direct Detection Electomagnetic Spectrum With direct detection cameras, the CCD sensor itself is exposed to the incoming illumination. This enables X-ray photons to be absorbed directly in the sensitive depletion region of the CCD sensor, often creating several electron-hole pairs. Compared to indirect detection and traditional X-ray film detection, this method boasts: Higher Quantum Efficiency (QE Single photon sensitivity without EMCCD & ICCD Better spatial & energy resolution Advantages Good spatial resolution Single photon sensitivity Energy resolution Good QE Linear response High dynamic range Disadvantages Cannot detect hard X-rays > 20keV Upper limit on image area (typically ~ 25x25mm CCD "damages" progressively by energetic X-rays QE curves for a number of direct detection sensor options Quantum Efficiency QE is the probability of a photon being detected by a CCD sensor. Remember however that in direct detection of X-ray illumination, multiple photoelectrons of signal are created from a single impinging photon, often yielding single photon sensitivity. Indirect Detection Indirect detection is used for hard X-ray detection and when you need: Single photon sensitivity even with highly demagnifying tapers (EMCCD technology available QE coverage that stretches well into the hard x-ray region Large area coverage (via magnifying taper High dynamic range at high energy levels Protection of the CCD sensor Advantages Higher dynamic range EMCCD compatible single photon sensitivity Large area magnifying tapers CCD protected by fiber-optic Disadvantages Lower spatial resolution Lower energy resolution Wide photon energy coverage With indirect detection CCDs, a phosphor coating on a fiber optic converts X-ray photons to visible photons. Characteristics of an indirect detection device, such as QE and spatial resolution, will depend on the parameters of the phosphor selected, such as thickness of the layer, chemical composition and particle size.

x-ray applications: High Power Laser Interaction Experiments A wide range of CCD based detectors are used on High Power Laser Interaction experiments on the Vulcan and Astra central laser facilities at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. These range from: Single photon energy measurements in the 2-6 kev region Resonance line spectroscopy in the 0.5-3keV region Soft X-ray detection in the 50-500eV region through to the UV Visible and IR detection at wavelengths out to 1.2 microns CCD detectors with high dynamic range (12-16 bit and large numbers of pixels (0.3-4 million are essential to maximize the data collection and range of measurements undertaken on each experiment. Not only must the detectors have a high dynamic range but high sensitivity and low noise characteristics are essential in many experiments where signal to noise issues push detectors and experiments to their physical limits. In recent years the introduction of thermoelectric cooling of the CCD sensors, reduced dark current devices and improved analog to digital converters have greatly aided in achieving exceptional performance. The Rutherford Vulcan Laser facility with several Andor X-ray cameras attached Currently, five Andor X-ray CCD cameras are almost continually in use on Vulcan and Astra and the preferred sensor format is 1024 x 256 pixels. Many new and novel techniques which take advantage of the unique properties of current CCD technology can be used to study the interaction of ultra short pulse laser plasma interactions. With the introduction of ever larger CCD arrays and cheaper processing power, digital data acquisition will take an ever more prominent role in experimental investigations of the future. Thanks to Dr. D. Neely, Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire. An EMCCD based Single Photon Emission Microscope for l-125 Imaging in Small Animals There have been substantial efforts in trying to do microscopic imaging in small animals. Small animal imaging using I-125 labelled radiotracers is gaining popularity. Dr Ling Meng from the department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan in conjuction with researchers from the V. A. Medical Center in Ann Arbor and in Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapid, Michigan have been using I-125 labeled antibodies, peptides and other compounds as screening agents in development of diagnostic and therapeutic radio-pharmaceuticals for various types of cancers. Reconstructed mouse thyroid image I-125 decays via electron capture. The three highest photon emission probabilities for I-125 decay are: 76% at 27.5 kev 13% at 31 kev 7% at 35 kev I-125 has a half-life of 60.14 days. The combination of low energy and long half-life offers advantages for Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT imaging: Due to the low photon energy, it is possible to collimate and detect photons with a very high accuracy It is possible to achieve an imaging spatial resolution less than 100 microns Recently the group have begun to produce next-generation SPECT technology based on use of Andor's fiber-optic EMCCD (DF897-FB technology for rapid, highly sensitive detection of these energetic photons. High Resolution SPECT System using fiber-optic EMCCD

x-ray products: DO couple to outside of vacuum chamber Range of sensor formats Direct and indirect detection Air and water cooling Range of flanges available Vacuum chamber compatible, no input window Removable filter holder options Andor's "Open-front End" or DO systems are designed to be coupled to the outside of a vacuum chamber and hence have no input window. There are two kinds of DO systems available: one makes a seal with a vacuum chamber using "knife-edge" sealing while the other utilizes O-ring seals. Most DO cameras come with a removable filter holder to enable ambient light to be blocked out, with an integrated pumping channel to allow vacuum access to the CCD enclosure during pumping. DX position inside vacuum chamber Suitable for use inside vacuum chamber Vacuum compatible to 10-5 mbar Vacuum feedthrough available Water cooling option available on request Removable filter holder Direct and indirect detection Andor's "In Vacuum" or DX systems again have no input window and are designed to be positioned inside a vacuum chamber. The entire CCD, including the casing and electronics, are completely vacuum compatible. The DX camera is connected to your PC via a cable inside the chamber that is attached to one end of a sealed vacuum feed-through (optional in the wall of the chamber. Attached to the outside end of the feed-through is the standard 3m cable, which is connected to the Andor Controller Card in your PC as usual. DY stand-alone systems with beryllium window Stand-alone systems Direct and indirect detection Air and water cooling Back-filled with dry gas or pumpable Range of window options Andor's DY cameras are "Stand Alone" systems, incorporate a beryllium input window to shield from visible photons, and are available both as direct and indirect models. A phosphor coated fiber optic is positioned over the CCD sensor in the indirect variant. This camera utilizes both air and optional water-cooling, and are either back-filled with dry gas or are pumpable. DY systems are available in standard or large area sensor formats.

DV for direct detection across VUV-XUV wavelength range Stand-alone system MgF 2 window VUV, XUV sensitivity down to 120nm Andor's DV cameras are "stand-alone" Thermoelectric (TE cooled vacuum CCDs, incorporating a MgF 2 window, for direct detection across the VUV and XUV wavelength range to 120nm. DH/DF fiber optic cameras, including large area sensors Large area formats High resolution Fiber optic optimized for sensor High dynamic range and high sensitivity Range of phosphor options available Fast readout option (DF Andor's DH fiber optic cameras are ideally suited to X-ray detection, and other applications requiring a fiber optic interface. While the FO version is built around a frontilluminated interface, the FB utilizes a backilluminated sensor with broadband AR coating optimized for the visible region. Andor's DF fiber optic cameras have been designed primarily for scientific imaging at multi-mhz readout rates. They are ideally suited to X-ray imaging and other applications requiring a fiber optic interface, with de-magnifying tapers enabling large area detection. DF897E-FB revolutionary EMCCD fiber-optic camera >90% Quantum efficiency High frame rates (35 fps Single photon sensitivity Use of large area fiber optic tapers RealGain TM Air and water cooling Range of phosphor options Andor s new ixon EM + DF897E-FB camera uses Andor s pioneering and award-winning Electron Multiplying CCD (EMCCD technology, offering single photon sensitivity and high sensor QE (> 90% at 35 full frames/sec (faster with binning or sub-array, coupled to a phosphor coated fiber optic. EMCCD renders this camera ideal for coupling to large area de-magnifying fiber tapers, the raw sensor sensitivity compensating for extensive photon loss through the taper. Call to enquire about our new large area 1 Mega Pixel fiber optic EMCCD

Solis (s & Solis (i software optimized for spectroscopy or imaging Solis (s - Spectroscopy Solis (i - Imaging Solis (s software with Mechelle interface Comprehensive camera control Triggering options Easy and accurate wavelength calibration routines Flexible data display view your data in 2D, 3D, stacked & overlayed Data export options SIF, GRAMS, ASCII XY, FITS Easy automation of your experiment with additional commands added to the AndorBasic programming language User defined background and data colors allow the user to optimize the screen under low light or low contrast monitors Automatic spectral line identification against NIST library Real-time image display (video mode ideal for aligning experiments Advanced data spooling direct to hard disk allowing large data sets to be acquired Increase your signal above the read noise floor with RealGain TM control (EMCCD compatible systems only Kinetic series recording and playback Through-series ROI analysis simple generation of kinetic plots, utilizing ROI statistics Real-time ROI value update, including live plot generation Various real-time and playback display options, including 3D profile Comprehensive image processing and analysis operations Solis (i software with ixon interface accessories configured for maximum system versatility Selection of accessories include: Vacuum Feedthrough Kit Specially designed cable kit to connect a DX camera to the PCI controller card, as shown in the diagram PS-150 Power Supply Unit PS-155 Power Supply Unit Water Recirculator The Exos 2 brings all new features and performance to the chassis independent cooling realm Water Chiller Oasis TM 150 ultra compact thermoelectric recirculating chiller PS-150 Power Supply Unit Exos 2 Water Recirculator

X-ray Camera Specifications Spectral rate Active Pixel readout Pixels (horiz rates 3.3 / 10.3 FI, BV, BN, FO, FB FI, BV, BN, FO, FB FI, BV, BN, FO, FB FI, FI-DD, BV, BN, FO, FB FI, BV, BN, FO, FB FO, FB (spectra per sec 3 166 (500 0.9 / 3.2 3.1 / 9.2 0.9 / 8.8 0.6 / 1.52 0.2 / 0.6 1 / 3.7 66, 31 90 (333 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A x vert Read Noise (e- 4 66, 31 66, 31 66, 31 66, 31 66, 31 5, 3, 1 MHz Pixel Size (horiz x vert; mm Image Area (horiz x Digitization 4 2 3 2 3 2 8 D*420 16-bit 16-bit 16-bit 16-bit 16-bit 16-bit 14 + 16-bit vert; mm D*440 D*412 D*434 D*432 D*436 DF836F DF897 (ixon EM + Sensor option 1 1024 x 256 ( * = O, X, Y Full frame rate / 4x4 binned 26 x 26 2048 x 512 512 x 512 1024 x 1024 1250 x 1152 2048 x 2048 2048 x 2048 512 x 512 Frame transfer frame rate 26.7x 6.7 13.5 x 13.5 24 x 24 13 x 13 22.5 x 22.5 13.5 x 13.5 13.5 x 13.5 16 x 16 (frames per sec 2 FI, FI-DD, BV, BN, FO, FB 27.6 x 6.9 12.3 x 12.3 13.3 x 13.3 27.9 x 25.9 27.6 x 27.6 27.6 x 27.6 8 x 8 Notes from Specification Table 1. FI, FI-DD, BV and BN sensor options are for direct/indirect detection cameras, whereas FO and FB refer to front and back-illuminated sensors (respectively within fiber optic cameras (DH and DF. FI is front-illuminated, DD indicates availability of a "Deep Depletion" option. BN is a backillumination option that has no AR coating (better direct X-ray response and BV is a back-illuminated option that has an AR coating (better for indirect. 3. The max spectra/sec for spectroscopy CCDs is the maximum speed at which the device can acquire spectra. It assumes internal trigger mode and full vertical binning. Also shown in brackets is the rate for a 50 row high sub-image. Note that any of the listed CCDs can be used in fast kinetics mode. 4. The noise figures specified are typical values, based on measured results. 2. The max frames/sec is the maximum speed at which the device can acquire images. Also shown in brackets is the rate achieved while using a 4x4 pixel binning of the device.

Andor overview: With our mission to become the global leader in pioneering and manufacturing high performance light measuring systems, we strive to bring innovative solutions to the demanding needs of researchers and manufacturers. For example, when the cooling To become the Global Leader in Pioneering & Manufacturing High Performance Light Measuring Solutions requirements for our CCD detectors required an innovative approach to vacuum technology, we developed UltraVac TM, the industry s most reliable hermetic vacuum seal. When the limitations of working in low-light conditions posed barriers to researchers, we pioneered the development of EMCCD technology for our cameras, enabling superior results and setting industry standards. Andor Headquarters, Belfast In addition to providing the tools researchers need, we are a trusted supplier to more than half of the top twenty analytical instrumentation companies in the world. They know that we understand their requirements and share an in-depth knowledge of their applications. We are proud of our highly-trained talent pool of over 160 physicists, engineers, applications specialists, technicians and others, working from our new, 50,000 square foot purpose-built facility including a class 10,000 clean room, leading-edge optical, electronic and software labs using a rigorous quality management system. Andor is a logical choice to produce custom solutions enabling greater efficiencies, lower costs and better results. Andor s product assembly lines in production Andor is a presence in providing solutions for demanding applications from astronomy to single molecule detection, from spectroscopy to bioluminescence. Our commitment to innovation and our customer-focused outlook, combined with a global footprint and network of service and support facilities ensure our ability to surpass your requirements. Order your FREE copy of Andor s Scientific Digital Camera Solutions Catalog at: www.andor.com/catalog Head Office / Europe 7 Millennium Way Springvale Business Park Belfast BT12 7AL Northern Ireland Tel: +44 (028 9023 7126 Fax: +44 (028 9031 0792 North America 425 Sullivan Avenue Suite 3 South Windsor, CT 06074 USA Tel: (860 290-9211 Fax: (860 290-9566 Japan 7F Ichibancho Central Building 22-1 Ichiban-cho Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0082 Japan Tel: 81-3-3511 0659 Fax: 81-3-3511 0662 September 2006