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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Synchrotron X-ray Microdiffraction and Fluorescence Imaging of Mineral and Rock Samples
Published on: June 19, 2018
TEMPUS, a Timepix4-based system for the event-based detection of X-rays.
Jonathan Correa1, Alexandr Ignatenko2, David Pennicard3
1Center for Free-Electron Laser Science - CFEL, Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestrasse 85, 22607 Hamburg, Germany.
TEMPUS, a new photon science detector, uses the Timepix4 chip for high-speed photon counting and nanosecond time-stamping. Initial prototype tests at PETRA III and ESRF demonstrate its capabilities for advanced X-ray measurements.
Area of Science:
- Photon science
- X-ray detection
- Detector systems
Background:
- The Timepix4 chip enables novel detector capabilities.
- Advanced photon detection is crucial for scientific research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce the TEMPUS detector prototype.
- Evaluate the performance of the TEMPUS system.
- Showcase the capabilities of the Timepix4 chip in a new detector.
Main Methods:
- Development of a single-chip TEMPUS prototype.
- Implementation of photon-counting and event-driven time-stamping modes.
- Performance evaluation using X-ray sources at PETRA III and ESRF.
Main Results:
- The TEMPUS detector prototype was successfully developed.
- Demonstrated high frame rates in photon-counting mode (up to 40 kfps).
- Achieved nanosecond time resolution in event-driven mode under moderate X-ray flux.
Conclusions:
- The TEMPUS detector system shows promise for photon science applications.
- The Timepix4 chip facilitates versatile operation modes for X-ray detection.
- The prototype's performance is validated by experimental results from leading synchrotron facilities.
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