Detectors
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N.
Goyal
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
S.
Aplin
,
A.
Balerna
,
P.
Bell
,
J.
Casas
,
M.
Cascella
,
S.
Chatterji
,
C.
Cohen
,
E.
Collet
,
E N.
Gimenez
,
H.
Graafsma
,
H.
Hirsemann
,
K.
Klementiev
,
T.
Kolodziej
,
T.
Martin
,
Ralf H.
Menk
,
C.
Menneglier
,
C.
Meraihia
,
J. R.
Murias
,
M.
Porro
,
M.
Quispe
,
B.
Schmitt
,
S.
Scully
,
M.
Turcato
,
C.
Ward
,
E.
Welter
Open Access
Abstract: The first operational prototype of a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector developed within the European LEAPS-INNOV project is presented in this work. This prototype features a monolithic, multi-element sensor optimized for high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy in the hard X-ray regime, intended for handing high count rates of 30 Mcps, across a broad energy range (5–100 keV). The present prototype demonstrates a throughput of about 150–200 kcps/pixel, corresponding to a total count rate of about 1.5–2 Mcps for the full 10 element detector. We discuss here a complete laboratory-based characterization of the detector’s performance, as well as an on-beam evaluation at the BM05 beamline of the ESRF synchrotron facility, using monochromatic X-rays in the 20–50 keV energy range. We provide a detailed performance assessment that also includes a phenomenological defect-depth estimation model.
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Dec 2026
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Detectors
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C. B.
Wunderer
,
M.
Hajheidari
,
A.
Marras
,
Th.
Wendt
,
F.
Anders
,
J.
Correa
,
M.
Dahlgruen
,
J.
Gebert
,
T.
Hirono
,
H.
Hirsemann
,
F.
Krivan
,
S.
Lange
,
S. Y.
Rah
,
I.
Shevyakov
,
V.
Vardanyan
,
M.
Hoesch
,
K.
Bagschik
,
N.
Guerrini
,
B.
Marsh
,
I.
Sedgwick
,
G.
Cautero
,
D.
Giuressi
,
R.
Menk
,
L.
Stebel
,
A.
Greer
,
T.
Nicholls
,
W.
Nichols
,
M.
Nakhostin
,
H. J.
Hyun
,
K. S.
Kim
,
S. H.
Kim
,
S. Y.
Park
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
H.
Graafsma
Open Access
Abstract: PERCIVAL, “pixellated energy-resolving CMOS imager versatile and large”, is a 2-megapixel soft X-ray imager developed for use at FELs and modern-day synchrotrons. A combination of capabilities is necessary to meet the scientific needs: a large, uninterrupted imaging area with small pixels, high dynamic range, high frame rate, and soft X-ray suitable entrance window to the sensor. A single PERCIVAL sensor offers over 4 cm × 4 cm uninterrupted imaging area (1408 × 1484 pixels of 27 × 27 μm2). Three auto-adapting gains (per pixel per image) provide the large dynamic range from 13 e- noise to over 3 Me- signal. The sensor is designed for up to 300 Hz frame rate, and can be operated faster in ROI mode. The first generation of the sensor was hampered by severe crosstalk preventing parallel operation of ADC, streamout, and pixel switches and by non-uniformity of baselines over the sensor. A revised “respin” sensor addresses these issues at the root — and good noise performance at higher frame rates as well as a more uniform baseline can now be provided to users. The first generation DAQ system — still based on existing Virtex5 hardware — had limitations that ultimately prevented handling the fast data rates from a Percival running at full speed, or other complexities such as ROI operation. A complete overhaul of the percival-specific DAQ components (FPGA with periphery and firmware) today enables acquisition at envisioned frame rates and in ROI mode. This paper summarizes first laboratory results from the respin sensors in combination with the new DAQ hardware and firmware.
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Jan 2026
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Detectors
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N.
Goyal
,
S.
Aplin
,
A.
Balerna
,
P.
Bell
,
J.
Casas
,
M.
Cascella
,
S.
Chatterji
,
C.
Cohen
,
E.
Collet
,
P.
Fajardo
,
E. N.
Gimenez
,
H.
Graafsma
,
H.
Hiresmann
,
F.j.
Iguaz
,
K.
Klementiv
,
K.
Kolodjiez
,
L.
Manzanillas
,
T.
Martin
,
R. H.
Menk
,
M.
Porro
,
M.
Quispe
,
B.
Schmitt
,
S.
Scully
,
M.
Turcato
,
C.
Ward
,
E.
Welter
Abstract: The XAFS-DET work package of the European LEAPS-INNOV project is developing high-purity Germanium detectors for synchrotron applications requiring spectroscopic-grade response. The detectors integrate three key features: (1) newly designed monolithic Germanium sensors optimised to mitigate charge-sharing events, (2) an improved cooling and mechanical design structure supported by thermal simulations, and (3) complete electronic chain featuring a low-noise CMOS technology based preamplifier, enabling high X-ray count rate capability over a broad energy range (5-100 keV). This paper discusses the first integration and characterization of one of the two multi-element Ge detectors at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). The integration phase included validating high-throughput front-end electronics, integrating them with the Ge sensor, and operating them at liquid nitrogen temperature, in addition to the experimental characterization, which consists of electronics noise study and spectroscopic performance evaluation.
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Jul 2025
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Detectors
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E. N.
Gimenez
,
A.
Balerna
,
M.
Cascella
,
S.
Chatterji
,
C.
Cohen
,
P.
Fajardo
,
H.
Graafsma
,
N.
Goyal
,
H.
Hirsemann
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
K.
Klementiev
,
T.
Kołodziej
,
T.
Martin
,
R. H.
Menk
,
M.
Porro
,
M.
Quispe
,
B.
Schmitt
,
S.
Scully
,
J.
Spiers
,
M.
Turcato
,
C.
Ward
,
E.
Welter
Open Access
Abstract: Recent upgrades in synchrotron radiation facilities, which now produce highly brilliant and coherent beams, result in a broader array of experiments challenging the available detectors. In X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (XAFS) experiments, detector performance is often a limiting factor, especially with the high photon fluxes from upgraded facilities. Within this context, a consortium of European facilities has joined under the LEAPS-INNOV project to push the current technologies and develop a germanium detector that can operate under high photon fluxes. The latest status of the XAFS detector development is presented here. The project has moved from the design and simulations phase to the assembled stage, with the sensor, electronic chain and mechanics being manufactured and tested. Next steps are focused on integrating all parts together and characterize the detector performance with X-ray beam.
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May 2025
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Detectors
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N.
Goyal
,
S.
Aplin
,
A.
Balerna
,
P.
Bell
,
J.
Casas
,
M.
Cascella
,
S.
Chatterji
,
C.
Cohen
,
E.
Collet
,
G.
Dennis
,
P.
Fajardo
,
E. N.
Gimenez
,
H.
Graafsma
,
H.
Hiresmann
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
K.
Klementiev
,
T.
Kolodziej
,
L.
Manzanillas
,
T.
Martin
,
R. H.
Menk
,
M.
Porro
,
M.
Quispe
,
B.
Schmitt
,
S.
Scully
,
M.
Turcato
,
C.
Ward
,
E.
Welter
Open Access
Abstract: This study presents a detailed simulation-based analysis of the detection limits of multi-element monolithic Germanium (Ge) detectors to cadmium traces in environmental soil samples. Using the capabilities of the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit in combination with the Solid State Detector Package, we evaluated the detection limit variation with the sample-to-detector distances and photon flux. These simulations were conducted to mimic realistic conditions, with a photon flux measured by the SAMBA beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility. Our findings for the detection limit for trace amounts of pollutants in low concentrations like cadmium in the soil provide valuable insights for optimizing experimental setups in environmental monitoring and synchrotron-based applications, where precise detection of trace elements is critical.
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May 2025
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Detectors
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J.
Correa
,
M.
Mehrjoo
,
R.
Battistelli
,
F.
Lehmkühler
,
A.
Marras
,
C. B.
Wunderer
,
T.
Hirono
,
V.
Felk
,
F.
Krivan
,
S.
Lange
,
I.
Shevyakov
,
V.
Vardanyan
,
M.
Zimmer
,
M.
Hoesch
,
K.
Bagschik
,
N.
Guerrini
,
B.
Marsh
,
I.
Sedgwick
,
G.
Cautero
,
L.
Stebel
,
D.
Giuressi
,
R. H.
Menk
,
A.
Greer
,
T.
Nicholls
,
W.
Nichols
,
U.
Pedersen
,
P.
Shikhaliev
,
N.
Tartoni
,
H. J.
Hyun
,
S. H.
Kim
,
S. Y.
Park
,
K. S.
Kim
,
F.
Orsini
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
F.
Büttner
,
B.
Pfau
,
E.
Plönjes
,
K.
Kharitonov
,
M.
Ruiz-Lopez
,
R.
Pan
,
S.
Gang
,
B.
Keitel
,
H.
Graafsma
Open Access
Abstract: The PERCIVAL detector is a CMOS imager designed for the soft X-ray regime at photon sources. Although still in its final development phase, it has recently seen its first user experiments: ptychography at a free-electron laser, holographic imaging at a storage ring and preliminary tests on X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy. The detector performed remarkably well in terms of spatial resolution achievable in the sample plane, owing to its small pixel size, large active area and very large dynamic range; but also in terms of its frame rate, which is significantly faster than traditional CCDs. In particular, it is the combination of these features which makes PERCIVAL an attractive option for soft X-ray science.
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Jan 2023
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Detectors
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L.
Manzanillas
,
S.
Aplin
,
A.
Balerna
,
P.
Bell
,
J.
Casas
,
M.
Cascella
,
S.
Chatterji
,
C.
Cohen
,
G.
Dennis
,
P.
Fajardo
,
H.
Graafsma
,
H.
Hirsemann
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
K.
Klementiev
,
T.
Kołodziej
,
T.
Martin
,
R.
Menk
,
F.
Orsini
,
M.
Porro
,
M.
Quispe
,
B.
Schmitt
,
N.
Tartoni
,
M.
Turcato
,
C.
Ward
,
E.
Welter
Abstract: In past years efforts have concentrated on the development of arrays of Silicon Drift Detectors for X-ray spectroscopy. This is in stark contrast to the little effort that has been devoted to the improvement of germanium detectors, in particular for synchrotron applications. Germanium detectors have better energy resolution and are more efficient in detecting high energy photons than silicon detectors. In this context, the detector consortium of the European project LEAPS-INNOV has set an ambitious R&D program devoted to the development of a new generation of multi-element monolithic germanium detectors for X-ray detection. In order to improve the performance of the detector under development, simulations of the different detector design options have been performed. In this contribution, the efforts in terms of R&D are outlined with a focus on the modelization of the detector geometry and first performance results. These performance results show that a signal-to-background ratio larger than 1000 can be achieved in the energy range of interest from 5 keV to 100 keV.
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Dec 2022
|
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Detectors
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F.
Orsini
,
S.
Aplin
,
A.
Balerna
,
P.
Bell
,
J.
Casas
,
M.
Cascella
,
S.
Chatterji
,
C.
Cohen
,
G.
Dennis
,
P.
Fajardo
,
H.
Graafsma
,
H.
Hirsemann
,
F. J.
Iguaz
,
K.
Klementiev
,
T.
Kołodziej
,
L.
Manzanillas
,
T.
Martin
,
R.
Menk
,
M.
Porro
,
M.
Quispe
,
B.
Schmitt
,
N.
Tartoni
,
M.
Turcato
,
C.
Ward
,
E.
Welter
Abstract: The high brilliance and coherent beams resulting from recent upgraded synchrotron radiation facilities open the way for a large range of experiments, where detectors play a key role in the techniques and methods developed to fully exploit the upgraded synchrotron. For instance, one of the major limitations of XAFS experiment is the performance of the detectors. In order to be able to measure more challenging samples and to cope with the very high photon flux of the current and future (diffraction limited) sources, technological developments of detectors are necessary. In this framework, the germanium detector developed in the European project LEAPS-INNOV aims at improving several technological aspects. This type of detector represents a very important class of instruments for X-ray spectroscopy due to the fact that they enable to detect efficiently photons of considerable higher energy with respect to silicon detectors. The objective of this project consists in pushing the detector performance beyond the state-of-the-art. Preliminary layout and main choices for the design studies of this new detector are presented in this paper.
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Oct 2022
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