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Medipix3 technology from CERN

Based on CERN-developed Medipix3 technology, LAMBDA enables effectively noise-free photon counting and deadtime-free X-ray measurements at frame rates of up to 24 000 frames per second. Its 55 µm pixel size provides excellent spatial resolution, while 24-bit counters allow image acquisition with extended dynamic range. A choice of sensor materials makes LAMBDA suitable for different X-ray energy ranges and experimental requirements.

  • Noise-free
  • 55 µm pixel size
  • High speed: up to 24 000 fps
  • No deadtime during readout
  • Si, GaAs & CdTE sensors available
  • Up to 24 bit

Detector sizes and configurations

LAMBDA is available in different configurations

We offer detector sizes ranging from 256 × 256 pixels to systems with active areas of up to 9 megapixels. The detectors are designed to be compact and lightweight; for example, the LAMBDA 750k weighs approximately 2 kg.

The LAMBDA Flex design connects one or more compact 256 × 256 pixel sensor modules to the readout electronics via flexible cables. These modules can be positioned freely, making them particularly suitable for experiments with limited detector space, such as RIXS.

For applications where maximum frame rate is less critical than cost efficiency, LAMBDA E and LAMBDA Lab provide high dynamic range and excellent spatial resolution at lower acquisition speeds.

LAMBDA Full performance flagship detectors LAMBDA Flex High-performance detectors with flexible sensor placement up to 4 heads LAMBDA E Large high-resolution detectors at an attractive price LAMBDA Lab Compact detectors optimized for laboratory research
From 60k to 9M px Up to 4 heads with 60k px each From 2M to 9M px 350k or 750k px
Up to 24 000 fps Up to 24 000 fps Up to 400 fps 75 fps
Charge summing mode, ROI mode Charge summing mode, ROI mode Charge summing mode optional Charge summing mode optional
Choose a tab below to view the full product specifications

Up to 24 000 fps full-frame

Our fastest LAMBDA detectors are designed for high-speed X-ray applications with best-in-class resolution.

LAMBDA is a high-performance pixel detector for X-rays based on Medipix3 technology. As a photon-counting detector, it is effectively noise free and offers frame rates of up to 24 000 full frames per second without readout deadtime, combined with a pixel size of just 55 µm. It is available in a wide range of sizes and configurations for different applications and can be equipped with various sensor materials to maintain high detection efficiency across a broad X-ray energy range.

The system also supports energy-resolved imaging by separating detected X-rays into three configurable energy bins through the use of two independently configurable energy thresholds. Originally developed by DESY for use at the PETRA III synchrotron, LAMBDA is designed for reliable operation in demanding experimental environments. It provides external triggering and gating capabilities for synchronisation with experimental equipment and can be integrated easily into common beamline control systems.

Technical specifications

These features apply to all LAMBDA and LAMBDA Flex systems.

Pixel Size [µm²]
55 x 55
Energy thresholds
2
Dynamic range
1, 6, 12 and 24 bit
Frame rate
Up to 24 000 full frame
Dead time
Zero dead time in 1-,6-, and 12-bit mode, 1 ms in 24-bit modes
Count rate (corrected)
Up to 2.5x10⁸ cts/mm²/s (10% deviation)
Noise
Photon counting – noise free at 5 keV
Special acquisition modes
Charge summing mode, gating mode, ROI
External trigger
3.3 V
Software interface
SDK for C++ and Python, GUI, 3rd party TANGO and EPICS driver available

Available sizes

60k 250k 350k 750k 2M 7.5M 9M
Pixel array [px²] 256 x 256 512 x 512 768 x 512 1536 x 512 1536 x 1536 3072 x 2560 3072 x 3072
Sensor area [mm²] 14 x 14 28 x 28 42 x 28 85 x 28 85 x 100 172 x 172 172 x 208
Dimensions (w x h x d) [mm³] 85 x 40 x 151 100 x 42 x 241 132 x 162 x 245 222 x 222 x 256 254 x 266 x 270
Weight [kg] 1.25 2.3 8 21 25
Cooling Air or water cooling* Water cooling

* depending on the sensor material

Sensor materials

Our sensors are available in four material configurations: Silicon (300 μm and 500 μm thickness) for soft X-rays, Gallium Arsenide (500 μm) and Cadmium Telluride (1000 μm) for higher X-ray energies.

Combined with the user-configurable energy threshold, the detector enables energy-resolved imaging and can distinguish between different X-ray energy ranges, for example for material discrimination and advanced imaging applications.

Si GaAs CdTe
Thickness 300 or 500 μm 500 μm 1000 μm
Energy range 6–25  keV 8–75 keV 8–150 keV
Threshold range 4–40 keV 6–40 keV 6–40 (75*) keV

* with optional high-energy calibration

ROI mode for even higher speeds

In ROI (Region of Interest) mode, only a selected subset of detector lines is read out instead of the full sensor. Reducing the number of lines lowers the data volume and enables proportionally higher frame rates. ROI mode is therefore well suited for time-resolved experiments where only part of the detector area is required.

For LAMBDA and AMBER, the full-frame rate is 24 000 fps at 1-bit dynamic range, 4000 fps at 6 bit, and 2000 fps at 12 bit. Reducing the ROI to one quarter of the detector height increases the frame rate by a factor of four. A typical ROI application with 64 lines would lead to a 12-bit frame rate of 16 000 fps. The smallest ROI consists of only 2 lines, increasing the 6-bit frame rate to an impressive 1M fps (1024 kHz, to be precise). ROI is available in 1-, 6-, and 12-bit modes.

Control computer and software

All detector systems are delivered with a fully configured control computer running Debian Linux and preinstalled detector control software. Different hardware and software options are available depending on your requirements.

The control software provides a range of integration and operation options. X-Spectrum provides a C++ control library that can be integrated into common beamline control systems. Open-source TANGO and EPICS drivers, for example, have been developed by users. Python bindings are available for convenient scripted detector operation. In addition, an open-source GUI written in Python is provided for manual control and for gaining practical insight into how to use the library.

Applications

LAMBDA can be used for a wide range of X-ray scattering and imaging experiments, particularly where high speed and sensitivity are required. Here, you can find a few examples which highlight research done by our customers.

The two faces of water

Phase change of water ice of different densities at very low temperatures

read more

Close-up of a potential drug carrier

Studying phase transition in nanogels

read more

New lenses for record X-ray focus

Optimizing the design of multilayer Laue lenses

read more

Key contact

Get in touch!

From initial inquiries to long-term projects, we support customers around the world with expert advice and responsive service. Reach out to discuss your application, request a quote, or learn more about our detector technologies. Our experienced technical sales team is happy to assist.