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Updated: Apr 4, 2026
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Visualization of Low-Level Gamma Radiation Sources Using a Low-Cost, High-Sensitivity, Omnidirectional Compton Camera
Published on: January 30, 2020
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Note: A disposable x-ray camera based on mass produced complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor sensors and
Oliver R Hoidn1, Gerald T Seidler1
1Physics Department, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|September 3, 2015
Summary
This study presents a new x-ray camera using commercial sensors for high-resolution imaging. The cost-effective platform achieves excellent energy resolution and detection rates for various scientific applications.
Area of Science:
- X-ray physics
- Detector technology
- Materials science
Background:
- Advancements in x-ray detection are crucial for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy.
- Commercial off-the-shelf components offer potential for cost-effective scientific instrumentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an accessible x-ray camera platform using commercial complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors and single-board computers.
- To optimize the platform for acquiring x-ray spectra and radiographs in the 2-6 keV energy range.
Main Methods:
- Integration of mass-produced CMOS image sensors and single-board computers.
- Custom mounting and interface hardware developed via rapid prototyping services.
- Characterization of detector performance for single-pixel detection events.
Main Results:
- Achieved ~20% quantum efficiency at 2.6 keV.
- Demonstrated ~190 eV energy resolution.
- Reached a maximum detection rate of 100 kHz.
Conclusions:
- The developed x-ray camera platform offers useful intrinsic energy resolution and a 5-μm pixel size.
- Ease of use and potential for parallelization make it suitable for synchrotron facilities, laser-plasma physics, and laboratory x-ray spectrometry.
