Descriptions
The MiniPIX TPX3 flex module has been developed for the most straightforward possible integration into any system.
The device can be equipped with several sensor types differing in material and thickness. The standard options include Silicon (100, 300, 500, and 1000 µm) and CdTe (1000 and 2000 µm). Custom types such as GaAs or CZT are possible too.
The typical and intended applications of MINIPIXTPX3F:
- Spectral X-ray imaging: X-ray fluorescence imaging, X-ray radiography (low flux)
- Energy dispersive XRD, SAXS, or WAXS: Monochromatic X-ray source is unnecessary! Even high energy for thick samples is possible (e.g., 100 keV)!
- Spectral gamma-ray imaging: scintigraphy or SPECT, radiography with isotopes.
- Radiation monitor1: particle type sorting, spectroscopy, directional sensitivity …
- Gamma camera: special shielded box and collimators available.
- Compton camera: particular software module available for image reconstruction.
The MiniPIX TPX3 Flex device is controlled via USB 2.0 interface with a standard μUSB connector. All major operating systems (MS Windows, Mac OS, and LINUX) are supported. The complex software PIXET PRO used for detector operation is provided for free. The extra software modules are available for special functions (e.g., coded aperture image reconstruction, Compton camera image and spectrum reconstruction, radiation field decomposition, and networking of many devices …)
Applications
Charge Particle Tracking and Space Dosimetry
Spatial-correlated radiation dose on flight path of ISS mapped on Earth at 400 km altitude. Courtesy of NASA.
NASA together with IEAP CTU and University of Houston has used MiniPIX type of cameras in the International Space Station (ISS) to track charged particles and measure their energy deposited to study and surveil the radiation exposure that astronauts face in space. It is possible to measure accurately the dose in the complex environment of space where the radiation environment is completely different than on surface of the Earth.
NASA is flying the ADVACAM’s ModuPIX Tracker in the International Space Station since March 2017. The goal of the project is to demonstrate the capability to determine the directional characteristics of charged particle energy spectra in space.
Crystallography
Reconstructed image of human hemoglobin (HBA1) protein.
X-ray crystallography is used to study detailed atomic or molecular structure of the sample at synchrotrons. High frame rate AdvaPIX QUAD is specially designed for combined Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS). The open space in the center of the camera allows the X-ray beam pass through the camera eliminating complete the need to use a beam stop in front of the camera.
High resolution neutron imaging
Siemens start imaged with cold neutrons in high resolution of 2.5 um and image size of 2560×2560 pixels. Courtesy if IEAP CTU.
AdvaPIX camera with detector coated by thin film of LiF is able to achieve ultra-high spatial resolution for thermal neutron imaging. The camera offers sigma of Point-Spread-Function spatial resolution of up to 2.5 µm. The camera’s field of view is 14×14 mm that gives at the maximum resolution 6.5 MPix.
The camera is equipped with a Silicon sensor with neutron conversion layer of 6LiF. Thermal neutrons are captured by 6Li that produces Alpha particles and tritons. These heavy charged particles are then detected in the Silicon sensor. The ultra-high spatial resolution is achieved by processing of individual neutron hits while taking into account also charge collection in the sensor. All this advanced processing is implemented in the camera software, which is simple to use.
