X-ray detector
SPARTA
SPARTA is the compact implementation of AGIPD, the X-ray detector originally developed for the European XFEL. It enables full-frame burst acquisition at frame rates of up to 6 MHz, bringing ultrafast X-ray imaging capabilities to time-critical applications at synchrotron sources and in industry.
AGIPD technology for high speed experiments
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 your applications through the development and production of the AGIPD-based SPARTA systems for demanding scientific use cases.
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Photon integrating -
200 µm pixel size -
High speed: 6 MHz in burst of 352 images -
0 to 10⁴ photons at 12 keV per pixel per frame -
Si sensors -
1000 fps in continuous mode
SPARTA 60k
SPARTA 60k
6 MHz frame rate for your experiment
SPARTA features and size
Burst acquisition of up to 352 images at 6MHz with 10 repetitions a second allows SPARTA to capture extremely fast processes, while a continuous acquisition mode supports frame rates of up to 1000 frames per second. Its adaptive gain architecture combines single-photon sensitivity, with an equivalent noise of just 1.3 keV, and a dynamic range exceeding 10⁴ photons at 12 keV. With a weight of only 3.5 kg, SPARTA provides ultrafast X-ray imaging in a compact detector system for applications in the 3–15 keV energy range.
Technical specifications
- Pixel size [µm²]
- 200 x 200
- Dynamic range
- 0 to 10⁴ photons at 12 keV per pixel per frame
- Maximum frame rate
- ≥ 6 MHz* in a burst of 352 images
- Average frame rate
- 3520 images per second (burst mode), 1000 images per second (cw mode)
* Rates above 6 MHz require special operating modes that may have reduced performance.
- External trigger
- 3.3 V
- Equivalent count rate
- > 10¹⁰ cts/pix/s (> 2.5 × 10¹¹ cts/mm²/s)
- Noise
- ∼ 1.3 keV (0.9 keV at reduced dynamic range)
Available sizes
60k |
|
|---|---|
| Pixel array [px²] | 128 x 512 |
| Sensor Area [mm²] | 25.6 x 105.2 |
| Dimensions (w x h x d) [mm³] | 337 x 121 x 45 |
| Weight [kg] | 3.5 |
Integration vs. counting
X-Spectrum offers both photon-counting and integrating detector technologies. SPARTA is an integrating detector, in which the charge generated by incoming photons is accumulated in each pixel until readout. This approach enables measurements at significantly higher X-ray intensities than are typically accessible with photon-counting detectors.
While photon-counting detectors are insensitive to multiple photons arriving at a pixel simultaneously, or while the signal is still above the detection threshold, integrating detectors measure the total deposited charge, which increases with the number of photons. This makes them well suited for experiments with very high photon fluxes.
As a result, SPARTA can handle count rates that are approximately two orders of magnitude higher than those of photon-counting detectors.
Sensor materials
SPARTA is equipped with a 500 µm thick silicon sensor, which works in the energy range 3–15 keV. Hi-Z sensor materials for harder X-rays are currently in development and will be available soon.
| Si | Hi-Z | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 500 μm | Coming soon |
| Energy range | 3–15 keV | Coming soon |
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.
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.
