Pulse-resolved multi-photon X-ray detection at 31 MHz based on a quadrant avalanche photodiode

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Materials Science
• Instrumentation

Background:

• Time-resolved diffraction and imaging experiments require detectors capable of processing data at synchrotron bunch repetition rates.
• Existing detectors may not offer the necessary speed or resolution for pulse-resolved analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and commission a high-speed X-ray detector for time-resolved experiments.
• To enable pulse-resolved data acquisition at synchrotron facilities.

Main Methods:

• Technical realization of a detector using a quadrant avalanche silicon photodiode and high-speed digitizers.
• Implementation of a novel multi-photon detection scheme.
• Commissioning experiments at PETRA III beamlines P08 and P10.

Main Results:

• Validated pulse-wise multi-photon counting scheme at bunch frequencies ≥ 31 MHz.
• Achieved pulse-by-pulse readout in PETRA III's 240-bunch mode.
• Demonstrated single-photon detection capability with high X-ray flux (≥ 3.7 × 10^9 photons/s).

Conclusions:

• The developed X-ray detector meets the demands for high-speed, time-resolved experiments.
• The multi-photon detection scheme allows for precise photon counting per X-ray pulse.
• The detector is suitable for advanced synchrotron-based research requiring pulse-resolved data.