High-performance detectors for high-tech applications

Medipix3 is a CERN-developed readout chip.

The Medipix3 CMOS chip is a highly configurable, energy-sensitive readout chip designed for deadtime-free operation. Developed within the CERN Medipix collaboration, it was specifically created for photon-counting applications where accurate detection, high count-rate capability, and excellent image quality are essential. By counting individual photons directly in each pixel, Medipix3 enables noise-free X-ray imaging with a large dynamic range.

One of its key innovations is the charge summing mode, which significantly improves counting accuracy, energy discrimination, and spatial resolution. With its 55 µm pixel pitch and advanced on-chip processing capabilities, Medipix3 has become a widely adopted technology for synchrotron science, laboratory X-ray systems, and electron microscopy.

Medipix3 forms the basis of our LAMBDA and AMBER detector systems.

Timepix4 is a CERN-developed event-driven readout chip.

The Timepix4 CMOS chip is the latest generation of pixel detector readout technology developed within the CERN Medipix collaboration. Designed for high-rate and time-resolved measurements, it combines fine spatial resolution with precise timing information on a per-pixel basis. Timepix4 supports both event-driven and frame-based operation, enabling efficient data acquisition across a wide range of scientific imaging applications.

With its 55 µm pixel pitch, improved timing performance, and flexible readout architecture, Timepix4 enables experiments that require high throughput, precise event localization, and detailed temporal information with nanosecond time-scale.

Timepix4 forms the basis of our AEON detector system.

AGIPD is a detector system developed for the European XFEL.

The Adaptive Gain Integrating Pixel Detector (AGIPD) was developed to meet the unique requirements of the European XFEL, the world’s largest X-ray laser facility. Designed for extremely intense and ultra-short X-ray pulses, AGIPD combines high dynamic range, high frame rates, and single-photon sensitivity within a single detector system. Its adaptive gain architecture automatically adjusts the amplification of each pixel, enabling the simultaneous detection of very weak and very strong signals.

AGIPD has become a key technology for experiments in ultrafast science, structural biology, materials research, and high-energy-density physics. X-Spectrum brings this detector technology to laboratory-scale applications through the development and production of the AGIPD-based SPARTA systems for demanding scientific use cases.