A direct-coupled detector for synchrotron X-radiation using a large format CCD

A novel X-ray area detector based on a large-format charge-coupled device (CCD) imaging array has been constructed and characterized. It was found to exhibit high signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range, and high spatial resolution. Tests with both conventional and synchrotron sources showed the detector to be highly suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. The prototype detector has been thermally cycled more than six times and transported to and from the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source with no apparent degradation in performance. Directions for future development of this type of detector are briefly discussed.< >