CXC FLEX Air Systems
Flexible pnCCD-based Colour X-Ray Camera systems for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in ambient environments
CXC FLEX Air Systems build on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform and with flexible mechanical architecture with remotely located electronics. A compact pnCCD sensor head is connected via an umbilical cable to the core electronics, allowing the detector to be positioned close to the experiment while keeping mass, heat, and cabling away from the measurement area.
These systems are designed for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in ambient or near-ambient environments, where installation flexibility, space constraints, or dynamic experimental geometries are critical. Each system is supplied as a complete, ready-to-use detector instrument, including cooling infrastructure, control electronics, and the PNCamSuite software environment for acquisition and analysis.
Key Features
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Builds on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform, with a flexible mechanical architecture with remote electronics
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Sensor head connected via an umbilical to remotely located core electronics, enabling flexible installation in confined or mechanically sensitive setups
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Compact pnCCD sensor head suitable for positioning close to the experiment, with reduced mass and heat load at the sample position
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Full pnCCD-based, energy-dispersive X-ray detection with single-photon spectroscopy and per-pixel spectral information
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Full access to both analysed and raw detector data, ensuring complete transparency and enabling custom or retrospective analysis
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Supplied as a complete system including detector head, 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, such as:
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Hyperspectral XRF imaging
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Simultaneous XRF-XRD Mapping
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Energy Dispersive X-Ray CT (ED-CT)
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Custom laboratory and OEM X-ray spectroscopy setups
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Further application examples are described on the Applications page
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CXC FLEX Air system with separated sensor module, camera electronics module and flexible interconnect.
X-ray entrance view of the CXC FLEX Air sensor module.
Rear view of the CXC FLEX Air sensor module showing the cooling interface.
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 | 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 FLEX Air Pro | CXC FLEX 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 and room-temperature operation, without the need for a Be window. |
| Typical Energy Resolution | ~145 eV (100 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV) | ~180 eV (1000 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV) |
| 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) |
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