CXC FLEX Vac Systems
pnCCD-based Colour X-Ray Camera systems with remote electronics for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in vacuum environments
CXC FLEX Vac Systems build on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform with a 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 precisely inside a vacuum environment while keeping mass, heat generation, and service access outside the chamber where required.
These systems are designed for energy-dispersive X-ray detection under vacuum conditions in experiments where flexibility, space constraints, or complex geometries make a fully integrated detector impractical. Each system is supplied as a complete detector instrument, including vacuum-compatible detector head, cooling infrastructure, control electronics, and the PNCamSuite software environment.
Key Features
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Builds on all features of the CXC FLEX Systems platform with a flexible mechanical architecture
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Compact vacuum-compatible sensor head connected via an umbilical to remotely located core electronics
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Reduced mass and heat load inside the vacuum environment
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Flexible detector positioning in confined or geometrically complex setups
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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 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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Synchrotron beamline end-station detection
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Low-energy X-ray spectroscopy under vacuum
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Experiments with restricted space or complex detector geometries
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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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CXC FLEX Vac system with separated sensor module, camera electronics module and flexible interconnect.
Rear view of the CXC FLEX Vac sensor module with cooling and flex cable connections.
Detector-side view of the CXC FLEX Vac sensor module with flexible interconnect.
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 FLEX Vac Pro | CXC FLEX 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 (5.895 keV) |
| 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 protecitve 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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