Artifact reduction in the CSPAD detectors used for LCLS experiments

Area of Science:

• X-ray science
• Detector physics
• Data analysis

Background:

• Noise and column-wise artifacts were observed in CSPAD detectors during LCLS experiments.
• Low-flux and low signal-to-noise conditions exacerbated these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and mitigate noise and artifacts in CSPAD detector data.
• To improve data quality for low-signal X-ray imaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a median subtraction preprocessing step along detector module columns.
• Analyzed data from L730 and L867 experiments at the CXI Instrument.

Main Results:

• Reduced mean false-positive photon detection rate by 4-7%.
• Decreased standard deviation in false-positive photon counts by 15-35%.
• Improved detector noise reduction without altering photon detection thresholds.

Conclusions:

• The median subtraction method effectively reduces noise and artifacts in CSPAD detector data.
• This advancement supports high-resolution, low-signal flash X-ray imaging and serial nano-crystallography.
• Enhancements are crucial for X-ray free-electron laser facility experiments.