Feasibility study of a novel high-speed photon-counting X-ray imaging camera with enhanced sensitivity and spatial resolution
Lead Research Organisation:
The Open University
Department Name: Physical Sciences
Abstract
Many X-ray imaging detectors, from medical diagnosis to the examination of energy levels in atoms, are based on the same technology as found in digital cameras. Most X-rays pass straight through these Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) and CMOS detectors and it is therefore necessary to use a thicker detector (e.g. CMOS hybrid) or a scintillator. However, current methods produce detector systems with limited performance: CMOS-hybrid technology requires intricate features limiting the minimum pixel size and spatial resolution, whilst the readout speed of CCD-based systems is limited by higher noise levels.
Over recent years we have completed an STFC funded concept study on a novel photon-counting detector. The Electron-Multiplying (EM) CCD was designed for low light level imaging such as night-time surveillance or night-vision. The EM-CCD differs from the standard CCD through the addition of a "gain register". By multiplying the signal by thousands, the effective read noise of the device can be reduced to the sub-electron level, allowing operation at very high speeds. If a scintillator is coupled to an EM-CCD then this low effective noise allows analysis of single photon interactions (photon counting), providing higher resolution imaging and energy discrimination.
The small area (8mm x 8mm) scintillator-coupled EM-CCD operated at 2fps, limiting potential applications. Further developments are required to transfer this technology and expertise to the marketplace.
We aim to produce a large area, high speed X-ray detector module, making use of the now commercially available high-speed electronics developed from the STFC funded 'Lucky Imaging' at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge. By coupling a fibre-optic taper to a larger area EM-CCD, an increase in area of over 44 times is possible. It is envisaged that a series of modules will then be formed into an array, creating a much larger system. We also aim to test the suitability of the scintillating fibre-optic (SFO). Whilst the SFO has largely been ignored for use with a CCD due to lower light output, it has a highly structured form, minimising the signal spread. With the EM-CCD's ability to apply gain to the signal, it is expected that a high-resolution integrating system may be produced.
In comparison to previous detectors, the expected performance of the new module will give a higher resolution, faster speed (increasing beamline throughput), higher effective dynamic range through higher maximum flux before saturation and higher detection efficiency, higher signal to noise and operation at higher temperatures. The projected specifications of the module will provide these substantial benefits to users, including allowing higher throughput in the beamline facilities and shutter-less performance, providing the high speed of the low resolution 'pixel detectors' and the high resolution of the low speed CCD systems.
Through the production of a proof of concept prototype module, not only will this technology be opened up to the marketplace, but the range of applications for the EM-CCD will be dramatically expanded, opening new markets for this device.
This detector is aimed towards applications at synchrotron facilities such as macromolecular crystallography, surface diffraction or small-angle scattering techniques, high energy X-ray diffraction and phase-contrast imaging. Applications in medical imaging may also be envisaged for a larger array of modules.
The market for this detector is approximately $94M worldwide and we aim to bring the same revolutionary performance enhancements that were experienced in the fields of fluorescent and luminescent markers in life sciences from the introduction of EM-CCD camera systems.
To transfer this technology and expertise to the marketplace, we propose to build a proof of concept module with the support of e2v technologies, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high performance imaging sensors.
Over recent years we have completed an STFC funded concept study on a novel photon-counting detector. The Electron-Multiplying (EM) CCD was designed for low light level imaging such as night-time surveillance or night-vision. The EM-CCD differs from the standard CCD through the addition of a "gain register". By multiplying the signal by thousands, the effective read noise of the device can be reduced to the sub-electron level, allowing operation at very high speeds. If a scintillator is coupled to an EM-CCD then this low effective noise allows analysis of single photon interactions (photon counting), providing higher resolution imaging and energy discrimination.
The small area (8mm x 8mm) scintillator-coupled EM-CCD operated at 2fps, limiting potential applications. Further developments are required to transfer this technology and expertise to the marketplace.
We aim to produce a large area, high speed X-ray detector module, making use of the now commercially available high-speed electronics developed from the STFC funded 'Lucky Imaging' at the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge. By coupling a fibre-optic taper to a larger area EM-CCD, an increase in area of over 44 times is possible. It is envisaged that a series of modules will then be formed into an array, creating a much larger system. We also aim to test the suitability of the scintillating fibre-optic (SFO). Whilst the SFO has largely been ignored for use with a CCD due to lower light output, it has a highly structured form, minimising the signal spread. With the EM-CCD's ability to apply gain to the signal, it is expected that a high-resolution integrating system may be produced.
In comparison to previous detectors, the expected performance of the new module will give a higher resolution, faster speed (increasing beamline throughput), higher effective dynamic range through higher maximum flux before saturation and higher detection efficiency, higher signal to noise and operation at higher temperatures. The projected specifications of the module will provide these substantial benefits to users, including allowing higher throughput in the beamline facilities and shutter-less performance, providing the high speed of the low resolution 'pixel detectors' and the high resolution of the low speed CCD systems.
Through the production of a proof of concept prototype module, not only will this technology be opened up to the marketplace, but the range of applications for the EM-CCD will be dramatically expanded, opening new markets for this device.
This detector is aimed towards applications at synchrotron facilities such as macromolecular crystallography, surface diffraction or small-angle scattering techniques, high energy X-ray diffraction and phase-contrast imaging. Applications in medical imaging may also be envisaged for a larger array of modules.
The market for this detector is approximately $94M worldwide and we aim to bring the same revolutionary performance enhancements that were experienced in the fields of fluorescent and luminescent markers in life sciences from the introduction of EM-CCD camera systems.
To transfer this technology and expertise to the marketplace, we propose to build a proof of concept module with the support of e2v technologies, a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of high performance imaging sensors.
People |
ORCID iD |
David Hall (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Tutt J
(2014)
Comparison of EM-CCD and scientific CMOS based camera systems for high resolution X-ray imaging and tomography applications
in Journal of Instrumentation
Tutt J
(2014)
Development of EM-CCD-based X-ray detector for synchrotron applications
in Electronics Letters
Tutt J
(2012)
Electron-multiplying CCDs for future soft X-ray spectrometers
in Journal of Instrumentation
Tutt J
(2012)
The Noise Performance of Electron-Multiplying Charge-Coupled Devices at Soft X-Ray Energy Values
in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices
Tutt J
(2012)
The Noise Performance of Electron-Multiplying Charge-Coupled Devices at X-ray Energies
in IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices
Soman M
(2013)
Developing a CCD camera with high spatial resolution for RIXS in the soft X-ray range
in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment
Soman M
(2013)
Improving the spatial resolution of soft X-ray detection using an Electron-Multiplying Charge-Coupled Device
in Journal of Instrumentation
Soman M
(2018)
The SMILE Soft X-ray Imager (SXI) CCD design and development
in Journal of Instrumentation
Description | The research proposal detailed the development of a taper-coupled high-speed, high-resolution imaging system based on new EM-CCD technology. However, during the early stages of the study, a second application came to our attention that would benefit as much as, if not more than, the original proposed application. It was decided that the two applications would be taken forward, leading to the development of two systems (one taper coupled and one lens coupled). Both systems were tested at the Diamond Light Source and the highly successful results published in refereed journals as well as disseminated at several international conferences. During the study it was proposed to test a scintillating fibre-optic as a possible "ultimate" scintillator in terms of the potential resolution achievable. However, during the course of the study it was found that the light output of the scintillating fibre-optic sample was too low for the proposed applications. The potential of the two systems was tested for use with a columnar scintillator structure. The taper-coupled system was found to perform very well under testing at Diamond, but the benefits over other technologies was limited somewhat by recent advances in pixel-detectors during the course of the project period. The lens-coupled system (tested as a new development during the study itself), however, was found to greatly outperform our hopes and has the potential to significantly out perform scientific CMOS based systems that are the current class-leader in this area. To bring about this potential it will be necessary to develop the system further, ideally through a full IPS project in the future. Full details of the system performance can be found in the referenced publications. |
Exploitation Route | The research has been disseminated at several international conferences and also published in two refereed articles. The outcomes of the research are now widely available and as such should benefit the wider scientific community. With regards to taking the findings forward, this will require a full IPS grant proposal for a 3-year project to take the prototyped system(s) to market. This will be done by the same researcher(s) who carried out the initial mini-IPS study, subject to a grant application being submitted and accepted in the near future. Through this route it is intended to bring the wide-ranging benefits of this new technology to the marketplace, benefiting not only the scientific users but also the UK economy. See narrative impact for details of a multi-million pound camera system development in local companies related to this research. |
Sectors | Electronics,Other |
Description | The results of this research project have been published in two refereed articles and one conference proceedings. Although the testing of only one system was initially proposed, as the project progressed it became apparent that there were two possible areas that could greatly benefit from the research and hence two systems were developed and tested for these two main applications. More on this can be found under Key Findings, however, the availability of the information in these publications is intended to be helpful to any party developing systems for other applications. The mini-IPS project is, as intended, a stepping stone towards a full IPS application during which a product, i.e. the outcomes of the research, can be taken to the market place. To avoid duplicating the original grant proposal, details of the potential market for detectors of this nature are not given here, suffice to say that there would clearly be positive impact to the UK economy were this product to be produced. All parts are manufactured and designed in the UK and would come together to form the camera system. Our synchrotron detector developments, as a result of this project and a related PhD studentship have taken a large turn towards development of systems for production. We are working with a local company to provide a customised camera system for PSI, with possible similar systems now being given interest by Diamond and synchrotrons in the US and Japan. This development has the potential for approximately £2m worth of systems to be developed by local industry and e2v technologies over the next few years. Update on the above paragraph (March 2019): A new camera system has been developed and installed at PSI by the local company. A new system has also been installed in the US and further system orders have been placed. This has not only brought in new orders for Te2v technologies for specialised detectors, but it has allowed the local company to employ a new full-time member of staff to work specifically on this new line of business. The staff member is also undertaking a part-time PhD studentship at the OU with Hall (original PI) and Soman (a PhD student who worked on the original ideas, now an industrially-sponsored Research Fellow). This project has demonstrated a great deal of economic benefit in income to the UK and employment, whilst also allowing continued training and personal development of new staff. With the new systems in place, this project will also have furthered other fields in synchrotron research by providing more accurate and higher resolution data for RIXS. |
Sector | Electronics,Other |
Impact Types | Economic |
Description | Contract |
Amount | £20,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | XCAM Ltd |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start |
Description | PSI |
Organisation | Swiss Light Source (SLS) |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Collaborative PhD studentship towards developments in camera systems for synchrotron beamlines. |
Collaborator Contribution | Collaborative PhD studentship towards developments in camera systems for synchrotron beamlines. |
Impact | Many publications (see publications). Developments in camera technology for synchrotron research, now moving towards system upgrade for several beamlines. The developments in the camera systems will bring a factor two resolution improvement of the science users. |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | XCAM RIXS |
Organisation | XCAM Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Research into optimal camera developments for RIXS spectrometers and basic camera designs. Involvement in commissioning. |
Collaborator Contribution | Camera development and production. Involvement in commissioning. |
Impact | Multi-million pound developments for UK industry of camera systems for RIXS spectrometers across the world. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Title | XCAM synchrotron camera system |
Description | A new synchrotron camera system for RIXS using e2v's UK EMCCD technology. This is undergoing commissioning in the coming months, and with interest from other synchrotrons across the world there is a potential multi-million pound market with local industry and e2v. The links with synchrotrons developed through this project have enabled us to reach out to many synchrotrons, deliver talks and generate expanded interest in the system. |
Type Of Technology | Detection Devices |
Year Produced | 2015 |
Impact | A resolution improvement in RIXS detectors of greater than a factor of ten. |
Description | Diamond talks 2013 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Type Of Presentation | Keynote/Invited Speaker |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | Talk to detector scientists and beamline scientists (approx 40) about new detector technologies on which we are working. In discussion with several beamlines about possible new detector developments. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | PSD conference(s) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | 150 scientists across many fields were informed of the latest research outcomes in more general terms and their implications. Increased interest in the research and expressions of interest for future collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2014,2017 |
Description | SPIE conference(s) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Talks at an international conference, sparking questions and discussion and possible future projects/funding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018 |
Description | Sevearl talks given at JPL |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | Invited talks to JPL staff and researchers on our research into CCD and EMCCD technology, including specific talks as part of WFIRST review process. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015,2017,2019 |
Description | e2v Knowledge Exchange meetings |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Knowledge Exchange across the wider network of Space Instrumentation at the Open University and e2v technologies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2006,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018 |