CXC CORE Vac Systems
Compact pnCCD-based Colour X-Ray Camera systems for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in vacuum environments
CXC CORE Vac Systems build on all features of the CXC CORE Systems platform and provide a compact, fully integrated mechanical design with detector and electronics housed in a single unit. They are designed for direct integration into vacuum chambers and synchrotron beamline environments where stability, simplicity, and minimal system complexity are key requirements.
These systems enable energy-dispersive X-ray detection under vacuum conditions, supporting reduced absorption losses, lower background, and improved access to low-energy X-rays. CXC CORE Vac Systems are supplied as complete, ready-to-use detector instruments, including the pnCCD sensor, vacuum-compatible housing, cooling infrastructure, control electronics, and the PNCamSuite software environment.
Key Features
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Builds on all features of the CXC CORE Systems platform, using a compact, fully integrated system architecture
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Detector head and control electronics housed in a single vacuum-compatible mechanical unit
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Direct mechanical integration into vacuum chambers and beamline end stations
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Fixed system geometry with short internal signal paths
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Reduced system complexity for permanent or semi-permanent vacuum installations
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Full pnCCD-based, energy-dispersive X-ray detection under vacuum conditions
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Single-photon detection with per-pixel spectroscopic information
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Full access to both analysed and raw detector data for transparent processing and re-analysis
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Supplied as a complete system including detector, cooling infrastructure, power supply, control electronics, and PNCamSuite software
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Available in Pro and Prime variants to match different performance and operational requirements (see table below)
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Suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
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Vacuum-based X-ray fluorescence (XRF) measurements
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Low-energy X-ray spectroscopy under vacuum
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Beamline end-station detection in synchrotron environments
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Laboratory and OEM vacuum X-ray spectroscopy setups
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Further application examples are described on the Applications page
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Vacuum-side detector view of the CXC CORE Vac camera head (here with protective cover)
Rear interface view of the CXC CORE Vac camera head.
CXC CORE Vac camera head shown with the Supply Rack and system connections.
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 |
| 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 CORE Vac Pro | CXC CORE 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 and room-temperature operation, without the need for a Be window. |
| Typical Energy Resolution | ~145 eV (100 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895 keV) | ~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) |
Looking for full specifications and mechanical drawings?
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