Princeton 4300 User Manual

 

9 

Princeton Instruments

 

knows that a camera designed to detect x-ray photons for scientific 

research needs to be flexible. X-ray scattering from complex crystals such as proteins 

requires high dynamic range and low-noise readout, whereas scattering from materials 

like polymers, fibers, and powders requires deep cooling and rapid imaging to capture 

phase or morphological changes during thermal or mechanical processing. Shutterless 

operation, low noise, and the ability to select a fiber ratio up to 5:1 make the Princeton 

Instruments PI·SCX

 

system an ideal choice for both of these applications.  

In fact, PI-SCX high-performance systems are designed specifically for applications like 

x-ray tomography, x-ray topography, medical x-ray imaging, nondestructive testing 

(NDT), streak tube readout, and image intensifier readout.   
When a 1:1 fiberoptic-coupling configuration is chosen, these cameras are well suited for 

streak tube and image intensifier readout or low x-ray flux imaging. A software-

programmable high-sensitivity or high-capacity amplifier means that the PI-SCX system 

can also provide x-ray photon-counting capability with 16-bit dynamic range. 

The PI-SCX camera system utilizes Princeton Instruments' patented fiberoptic-coupling 

technology (US Patent 5,134,680) to ensure the highest possible resolution. This process 

eliminates any intermediate fiberoptic faceplate or unreliable oil layer between surfaces. 

An optional phosphor screen (GdOS:Tb) that absorbs x-rays and emits visible light (~550 

nm) can also be coupled to the CCD with a fiberoptic in order to detect x-rays. When the 

highest sensitivity is required, such as when detecting low flux or lower x-ray energies 

(~5 keV), smaller taper ratios and back-illuminated CCDs are offered. For distortion-free 

imaging, a 1:1 fiberoptic system is recommended, while for maximum field of view – 

ideal for high-brilliance sources like third-generation synchrotrons – tapers with 

diameters as large as 165 mm are recommended.   

Electrical timing signals are available from the camera controller for synchronization 

with a customer-provided x-ray shutter. The CCD can be continuously cleared of dark 

charge while waiting for an exposure to begin. Exposures that are much longer than the 

CCD readout time can be performed without a shutter, as the amount of smearing (due to 

continued exposure during readout) will be low.