Initial data from the 30-element ORTEC HPGe detector array and the XSPRESS pulse-processing electronics at the SRS,...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear instrumentation
• Materials science
• Synchrotron radiation science

Background:

• Development of advanced detectors is crucial for enhancing spectroscopic analysis.
• High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors offer superior energy resolution for X-ray applications.
• Fluorescence X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) spectroscopy requires high count rate capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the commissioning and performance of the world's first 30-element HPGe detector for fluorescence XAFS.
• To validate the detector's performance with XSPRESS digital pulse-processing electronics.
• To present initial data acquired using the newly commissioned system.

Main Methods:

• Collaborative development of a 30-element HPGe detector by CLRC Daresbury Laboratory and EG&G ORTEC.
• Commissioning of the detector system at the Synchrotron Radiation Source (SRS).
• Utilizing XSPRESS digital pulse-processing electronics for data acquisition and analysis.

Main Results:

• Successful commissioning of the 30-element HPGe detector for fluorescence XAFS.
• Demonstration of processed count rates exceeding 10 MHz with XSPRESS electronics.
• Acquisition and presentation of initial experimental data.

Conclusions:

• The 30-element HPGe detector is a significant advancement for fluorescence XAFS spectroscopy.
• The system demonstrates high performance, capable of handling high count rates.
• The presented data showcase the potential of this new detector for future research.