Application of a pnCCD in X-ray diffraction: a three-dimensional X-ray detector

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Synchrotron Radiation Science

Background:

• X-ray scattering experiments typically use monochromatic radiation, requiring numerous setups for comprehensive analysis.
• Advanced detectors are needed to capture complex diffraction patterns and energy information simultaneously.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the novel application of a pnCCD detector for X-ray scattering with white synchrotron radiation.
• To investigate the properties of a cadmium arachidate multilayer using this new technique.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a pnCCD detector operated in single-photon-counting mode.
• Performed X-ray scattering experiments in reflection geometry using white synchrotron radiation at BESSY II.
• Collected a 3D dataset by recording photon energy at each detector pixel.

Main Results:

• Observed 2D diffraction patterns with multilayer Bragg peaks and diffuse-resonant Bragg sheets.
• Achieved an energy resolution of approximately DeltaE/E = 10(-2) per pixel.
• Successfully generated a 3D dataset from 10^5 detector frames at 200 Hz readout rate.

Conclusions:

• The pnCCD detector enables efficient 3D X-ray scattering data acquisition with white synchrotron radiation.
• This method provides equivalent information to multiple monochromatic scattering experiments, significantly enhancing experimental efficiency.
• The technique is valuable for characterizing multilayer structures and other materials with complex reciprocal space maps.