
X-ray detector
LAMBDA
The LAMBDA detector family comprises ultra-fast pixelated X-ray detectors with best-in-class resolution for scientific and industrial applications. Available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, LAMBDA supports applications from compact laboratory setups to demanding synchrotron experiments.

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.
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 |
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.
Flexible sensor placement
Up to four small sensors let you detect X-rays in the tightest setups.
The LAMBDA Flex detector makes full use of all the standard LAMBDA capabilities, while the cabled connection between detector head and readout unit allows for maximal flexibility during measurements.
LAMBDA Flex 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 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. The detector 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
1 to 4 heads, ambient or in-vacuum
Up to four sensor heads connected by cables up to one metre in length enable X-ray detection in space-constrained environments and allow simultaneous measurements from multiple directions.
LAMBDA Flex is available in versions for standard laboratory operation and vacuum-compatible use.
Available sizes
|
60k |
250k |
|
|---|---|---|
| Pixel array [px²] | 256 x 256 each (up to 4*) | 512 x 512 |
| Sensor area [mm²] | 14 x 14 each (up to 4*) | 28 x 28 |
| Dimensions (w x h x d) [mm³] | 20 x 11 x 100 (each sensor head) / 108 x 40 x 288 (electronics) | 35 x 18 x 278 (sensor head) / 108 x 40 x 288 (electronics) |
| Weight [kg] | 0.1 (each head) / 1.6 (electronics) | 0.5 (sensor head) / 1.6 (electronics) |
| Cooling | Air or water cooling (electronics) / air or radiation cooling (heads) | |
* All sensor heads must be equipped with the same sensor material; see below.
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.
Full area with 400 fps
Get the best-in-class resolution at large sizes with an outstanding price.
LAMBDA E is a high-resolution, large-area 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 400 full frames per second without readout deadtime, combined with a pixel size of just 55 µm. It is available with 2, 7.5, and 9 megapixels 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. It provides external triggering and gating capabilities for synchronisation with experimental equipment and can be easily integrated into common beamline control systems.
For applications requiring large detector areas at frame rates of up to 400 Hz, LAMBDA E offers the most cost-efficient detector area within the LAMBDA family.
Technical specifications
These features apply to all LAMBDA E systems.
- Pixel Size [µm²]
- 55 x 55
- Energy thresholds
- 2
- Dynamic range
- 1, 6, 12 and 24 bit
- Frame rate
- Up to 400 fps 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
- External trigger
- 3.3 V
- Software interface
- SDK for C++ and Python, GUI, 3rd party TANGO and EPICS driver available
Available sizes
|
2M |
7.5M |
9M |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel array [px²] | 1536 x 1536 | 3072 x 2560 | 3072 x 3072 |
| Sensor Area [mm²] | 85 x 100 | 172 x 172 | 172 x 208 |
| Dimensions (w x h x d) [mm³] | 132 x 162 x 245 | 222 x 222 x 256 | 254 x 266 x 270 |
| Weight [kg] | 8 | 21 | 25 |
| Cooling | Water cooling | ||
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
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.
Experience the power of LAMBDA in your lab
Unbeatable resolution in a compact design takes your research to the next level.
Designed for accessibility without compromising performance, LAMBDA Lab delivers powerful capabilities at an unbeatable price. LAMBDA Lab is a high-resolution 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 75 full frames per second without readout deadtime, combined with a pixel size of just 55 µm. It is available in 350k and 750k pixels configuration 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. It provides external triggering and gating capabilities for synchronisation with experimental equipment and can be easily integrated into common beamline control systems.
For compact applications requiring high spatial resolution at frame rates of up to 75 Hz, LAMBDA Lab provides an accessible entry point into the LAMBDA family.
Technical specifications
These features apply to all LAMBDA Lab systems.
- Pixel Size [µm²]
- 55 x 55
- Energy thresholds
- 2
- Dynamic range
- 1, 6, 12 and 24 bit
- Frame rate
- Up to 75 fps 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
- External trigger
- 3.3 V
- Software interface
- SDK for C++ and Python, GUI, 3rd party TANGO and EPICS driver available
Available sizes
|
350k |
750k |
|
|---|---|---|
| Pixel array [px²] | 768 x 512 | 1536 x 512 |
| Sensor area [mm²] | 42 x 28 | 85 x 28 |
| Dimensions (w x h x d) [mm³] | 100 x 42 x 241 | |
| Weight [kg] | 2.3 | |
| Cooling | Air or 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
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.
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.









