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Applying X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectroscopy for Use as a High Temperature Plasma Diagnostic

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Published on: August 25, 2016

Lens-Coupled CCD Detector for X-ray Crystallography.

Timothy J Madden¹, William McGuigan, Michael J Molitsky

¹Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL 60439 USA (telephone: 630-252-7914, e-mail: tmadden@anl.gov ).

IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science

|January 11, 2008

Summary

A new x-ray crystallography detector, Blue-1, utilizes a custom lens system for improved efficiency and reduced noise. This novel design offers enhanced imaging capabilities for scientific research.

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Area of Science:

Crystallography
Detector Technology
Optics

Background:

Conventional x-ray crystallography detectors often face limitations such as noise, distortion, and complex engineering.
Fiber-optic tapers, while common, can introduce artifacts like "chicken-wire" patterns and spatial distortion.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and characterize a novel x-ray crystallography detector, named Blue-1.
To leverage a custom lens system and a back-illuminated CCD for superior performance.
To simplify the engineering and improve the reliability of x-ray detection systems.

Main Methods:

Utilized a Fairchild 486 back-illuminated CCD.
Incorporated a custom lens system designed by Optics One Inc.
Developed a unique mechanical design for precise image focusing.
Employed MATLAB-based software with advanced imaging and signal processing libraries.
Implemented a "CCD controller language" for dynamic timing updates.

Main Results:

The Blue-1 detector demonstrates lower noise and higher efficiency compared to conventional fiber-optic tapers.
Achieved improved point spread function and negligible spatial distortion.
Eliminated "chicken-wire" patterns often seen in other detectors.
Engineering is simplified due to the CCD not being bonded to a fiber-optic taper.

Conclusions:

The Blue-1 detector represents a significant advancement in x-ray crystallography instrumentation.
The custom lens system and integrated design offer superior performance and ease of use.
This technology has the potential to enhance data acquisition and analysis in crystallographic studies.