High-Resolution X-ray Spectroscopy Close to Room Temperature

Abstract

Originally designed as position-sensitive detectors for particle tracking, silicon drift detectors (SDDs) are now used for high-count rate X-ray spectroscopy, operating close to room temperature. Their low-capacitance read-node concept places them among the fastest high-resolution detector systems. They have been used in a new spectrum of experiments in the wide field of X-ray spectroscopy: fluorescent analysis, diffrac-tometry, materials analysis, and synchrotron experiments such as X-ray holography and element imaging in scanning electron microscopes. The fact that the detector system can be used at room temperature with good spectroscopic performance and at −10°C with excellent energy resolution, avoiding liquid nitrogen for cooling and high-quality vacuum, guarantees a large variety of new applications, independent of the laboratory environment. A brief description of the device principles is followed by basics on low noise amplification. The performance results of a complete detector system are presented as well as some dedicated applications already realized, including use in a surface mapping instrument and use of a “mini-spectrometer” for the analysis of works of art. Fully depleted pn-charge-coupled devices (pn-CCDs) have been fabricated for the European X-ray Multi-Mirror mission (XMM) and the German X-ray satellite ABRIXAS, enabling high-speed, low-noise, position-resolving X-ray spectroscopy. The detector was designed and fabricated with a homogeneously sensitive area of 36 cm². At −70°C it has a noise of 4 e- rms, with a readout time of the total focal plane array of 4 msec. The maximum count rate for single photon counting was 10⁵ cps under flat field conditions. In the integration mode, more than 10⁹ cps can be detected at 6 keV. Its position resolution is on the order of 100 μm. The quantum efficiency is higher than 90%, ranging from carbon K X-rays (277 eV) up to 10 keV.