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CXC APERTURE Vac Systems

pnCCD-based Colour X-Ray Camera systems with central aperture for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in vacuum environments

CXC FLEX Vac Aperture Systems build on all features of the CXC FLEX Vac Systems platform and are designed for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in vacuum 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, vacuum-compatible sensor head is connected via an umbilical cable to remotely located electronics, allowing flexible detector positioning inside the vacuum environment while keeping mass, heat generation, and service access outside the chamber. Each system is supplied as a complete detector instrument, including cooling infrastructure, control electronics, and the PNCamSuite software environment.

Key Features

  • Builds on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform, adding a central sensor aperture

  • pnCCD sensor with a 2.5 mm central aperture and defined 4 mm insensitive region

  • Enables transmitted-beam, backscatter, and inline measurement geometries

  • Compact vacuum-compatible sensor head connected via an umbilical to remotely located core electronics

  • Reduced mass and heat load inside the vacuum environment

  • 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) under vacuum

    • Correlative transmission and spectroscopic measurements

    • Inline beamline experiments with downstream optics or detectors

    • Custom laboratory and OEM vacuum X-ray spectroscopy setups

    • Further application examples are described on the Applications page

CXC FLEX Vac Aperture system with central sensor opening for transmitted X-ray geometries.

Rear view of the CXC FLEX Vac Aperture sensor module showing the cooling interface.

CXC FLEX Vac Aperture system with central sensor opening for transmitted X-ray geometries.

Example backscatter fluorescence geometry using the CXC FLEX Vac 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 2.5 mm diameter central hole (4 mm diameter insensitive region)
Sensor Sensitivity Range 0.1 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 Sensor inside the customers‘ Vacuum chamber 
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 Vac Pro CXC APERTURE Vac 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 (5.895keV) ~180 eV (1000 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV)
Reccomended Energy Range 0.1 to 30 keV 0.1 to 30 keV
Sensor Operating Temperature Cooled (approx. −20 °C) Room Temperature (approx. +23 °C)
X-Ray Entrance Window Windowless with optional protective film Windowless with optional protective film
Vacuum Requirement Vacuum provided by the customers‘ vacuum chamber  Sensor head at atmospheric pressure (no vacuum required)

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