New improved methods of X-ray detection

We present CCDs (CCD = charge-coupled device) as high performance X-ray detectors. These silicon pixel detectors (whose concept was invented in 1970) are mainly used today for detection of visible light with digital cameras. Generally, X-rays are detected by inserting a phosphorescent screen and collecting the light obtained onto the CCD. However X-rays can also be detected directly with excellent background rejection capabilities, good energy resolution and intrinsic pixel-size position resolution but with mediocre efficiency in a relatively small energy range and little or no timing information. For this application a slow, low noise electronics is needed. We will discuss how these detectors work, their advantages and disadvantages as well as future possibilities and limitations.