CXC APERTURE Air Systems
pnCCD-based Colour X-Ray Camera systems with central aperture for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in ambient environments
CXC FLEX Air Aperture Systems build on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform and are designed for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in ambient environments where a central aperture is required. These systems support transmitted-beam, backscatter, and inline experimental geometries that require additional instrumentation downstream of the detector.
The pnCCD sensor incorporates a 2.5 mm central aperture, surrounded by a 4 mm insensitive region, enabling defined beam transmission while maintaining full spectroscopic performance across the remaining active area. A compact sensor head is connected via an umbilical cable to remotely located electronics, allowing flexible installation in confined, space-limited, or mechanically dynamic setups. Each system is supplied as a complete detector instrument, including cooling infrastructure, power supply, control electronics, and the PNCamSuite software environment for data acquisition and analysis.
Key Features
-
Builds on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform, adding a central sensor aperture
-
Central aperture with a defined insensitive region, enabling transmitted-beam and downstream instrumentation geometries
-
Sensor head connected via an umbilical to remotely located core electronics for flexible installation
-
Suitable for backscatter, inline, and correlative measurement configurations
-
Full pnCCD-based, energy-dispersive X-ray detection outside the aperture region
-
Single-photon detection with per-pixel spectroscopic information
-
Full access to both analysed and raw detector data for transparent processing and re-analysis
-
Supplied as a complete system including detector head, cooling infrastructure, power supply, control electronics, and PNCamSuite software
-
Available in Pro and Prime variants to match different performance and operational requirements (see table below)
-
Suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
-
Backscatter X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements
-
Correlative XRF and transmission-based techniques
-
Inline X-ray detection with downstream optics or detectors
-
Custom laboratory and OEM X-ray spectroscopy setups
-
Further application examples are described on the Applications page
-
CXC FLEX Air Aperture system with central sensor opening for transmitted X-ray geometries.
X-ray entrance view of the CXC FLEX Air Aperture sensor module.
Rear view of the CXC FLEX Air Aperture sensor module showing the cooling interface.
Example backscatter fluorescence geometry using the CXC FLEX Air Aperture system.
Example transmission geometry allowing the direct beam to pass through the detector aperture.
Technical Specification
| Specification | |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Backside-illuminated pnCCD with frame-store architecture |
| Pixel Size | 48 µm × 48 µm |
| Total Pixel Array | 264 x 264 (Sensitive area) 264 x 528 (Sensitve area + framestore) |
| Sensor Geometry | 12.3 mm x 12.3 mm active area with 2.5mm diameter central hole (4mm diameter insensitive region) |
| Sensor Sensitivity Range | 2 to 30 keV |
| Frame Rate | up to 1,000 fps (Full frame, continious readout) |
| Sensor Material and Thickness | 450 µm fully depleted silicon |
| Operating Enviroment | Ambient (in-air) |
| Connection | Flexible umbilical between sensor head and core electronics |
| Control Software | PNCamSuite for setup, acquisition, and analysis Developer API (Python and C++) |
| Integration | OEM instrumentation, laboratory and beamline use |
Variants
| CXC APERTURE Air Pro | CXC APERTURE Air Prime | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Operation Type | Pro | Prime |
| Usage Profile | For applications requiring optimal spectroscopic performance and maximum energy resolution | For flexible, easy-to-operate setups prioritising convenience |
| Typical Energy Resolution | ~145 eV (100 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895 keV) | ~185 eV (1000 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895 keV) |
| Reccomended Energy Range | 2 to 30 keV | 2 to 30 keV |
| Sensor Operating Temperature | Cooled (approx. −20 °C) | Room Temperature (approx. +23 °C) |
| X-Ray Entrance Window | Vacuum-tight 50 µm Be | Windowless with optional protective film |
| Vacuum Requirement | Sensor head under vacuum | Sensor head at atmospheric pressure (no vacuum required) |
Looking for full specifications and mechanical drawings?
Request datasheet
