Characterization and data collection on a direct-coupled CCD X-ray detector

A large-area, multi-module, CCD-based detector without intensification stages is being developed by our group for X-ray diffraction applications. Each module consists of a fiberoptic taper with a phosphor deposited on the large end and a large-format, scientific CCD bonded to the small end. A single module has been constructed to evaluate the performance of this type of detector. This module has an active area of 43 × 43 mm 2, a point response function FWHM = 80 μm, a dynamic range of > 20 000:1, and a high DQE. Using four parallel readout circuits, the CCD can be read out in 1.8 s. Crystallographic data collected using a rotating-anode source demonstrate the capability of this type of detector.