An improved X-ray detector for use at synchrotrons

Due to the advent of synchrotrons as X-ray sources with high power and brilliance new improved X-ray detectors are needed in order to make efficient use of the unique features of the synchrotron radiation. In this article the construction and characteristics of an X-ray detector, which is based on image plates and which has been especially designed for the detection of X-ray images at synchrotrons is reported. The detector has an X-ray sensitive area of 250 mm×305 mm, and allows the acquisition of X-ray images with variable pixel sizes and readout speeds according to the requirements of the particular experiment. In the normal setup mode images can be recorded every 13 s using a pixel size of 80 μm×80 μm, which relates to 12×106 pixels per image, while in the high-resolution setup images can be recorded every 41 s with 40 μm×40 μm pixel size, which relates to 48×106 pixels per image. The relation of detector characteristics, such as readout speed, resolution and efficiency to the physical processes of image storage and readout are discussed. Examples of images taken during the first test experiment on the high-pressure beamline (ID30) of the ESRF are presented.