The multi-element mercuric iodide detector array with computer controlled miniaturized electronics for EXAFS

Construction of a 100-element HgI₂ detector array, with miniaturized electronics, and software developed for synchrotron applications in the 5 keV to 35 keV region has been completed. Recently, extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) data on dilute (~1 mM) metallo-protein samples were obtained with up to seventy-five elements of the system installed. The data quality obtained is excellent and shows that the detector is quite competitive as compared to commercially available systems. The system represents the largest detector array ever developed for high resolution, high count rate X-ray synchrotron applications. It also represents the first development and demonstration of high-density miniaturized spectroscopy electronics with this high level of performance. Lastly, the integration of the whole system into an automated computer-controlled environment represents. A major advancement in the user interface for XAS measurements. These experiments clearly demonstrate that the HgI₂ system, with the miniaturized electronics and associated computer control functions well. In addition it shows that the new system provides superior ease of use and functionality, and that data quality is as good as or better than with state-of-the-art cryogenically cooled Ge systems