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The MYTHEN detector for X-ray powder diffraction experiments at the Swiss Light Source
Anna Bergamaschi1, Antonio Cervellino, Roberto Dinapoli
1Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen, Switzerland. anna.bergamaschi@psi.ch
Journal of Synchrotron Radiation
|August 21, 2010
Summary
The upgraded MYTHEN detector enables fast, high-quality powder diffraction data acquisition. This silicon microstrip detector is ideal for time-resolved experiments and minimizes radiation damage in samples.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- X-ray Diffraction
- Detector Technology
Background:
- Time-resolved powder diffraction requires fast and sensitive detectors.
- Traditional detectors can be slow or provide limited angular coverage.
- The MYTHEN detector was developed to address these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the upgraded MYTHEN single-photon-counting silicon microstrip detector.
- To detail its performance for time-resolved powder diffraction.
- To present calibration procedures and applications.
Main Methods:
- Installation of an upgraded MYTHEN detector at the Swiss Light Source (SLS) powder diffraction station.
- Acquisition of diffraction patterns over 120 degrees in 2theta in fractions of seconds.
- Development of calibration procedures for data optimization.
Main Results:
- The upgraded MYTHEN detector achieves data quality comparable to traditional high-resolution point detectors.
- It offers fast, simultaneous acquisition of full diffraction patterns.
- Demonstrated suitability for time-resolved and dose-critical measurements, including organic compounds with radiation sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- The MYTHEN detector is optimal for time-resolved and dose-critical powder diffraction experiments.
- Its performance and calibration procedures yield high-quality data.
- The detector shows promise for studying radiation-sensitive materials.
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