CXC Flex Vacuum Aperture Systems
pnCCD-based Colour X-Ray Camera systems with central aperture for energy-dispersive X-ray detection in vacuum environments
CXC Flex Vacuum Aperture Systems build on all features of the CXC Flex Vacuum 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
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Builds on all features of the CXC Flex Vacuum Systems platform, adding a central sensor aperture
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pnCCD sensor with a 2.5 mm central aperture and defined 4 mm insensitive region
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Enables transmitted-beam, backscatter, and inline measurement geometries
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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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Full pnCCD-based, energy-dispersive X-ray detection outside the aperture region
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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, including:
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Backscatter X-ray fluorescence (XRF) under vacuum
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Correlative transmission and spectroscopic measurements
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Inline beamline experiments with downstream optics or detectors
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Custom 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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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 | 12.3mm x 12.3mm active area with 2.5mm diameter central hole (4mm diameter insensitive region) |
| Sensor Sensitivity Range | 0.1 to 30keV |
| Frame Rate | 1,000fps (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 Aperture Ambient Pro | CXC Flex Aperture Ambient 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 |
| Best Energy Resolution | ~145 eV (400 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV) | ~180 eV (400 fps) @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV) |
| Energy Resolution (400fps) | ~145 eV @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV) | ~180 eV @ Mn-Kα (5.895keV) |
| Reccomended Energy Range | 1 to 30keV | 0.2 to 30keV |
| Sensor Operating Temperature | Cooled (approx. −20 °C) | Room Temperature (approx. +20 °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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