Camera components for the most powerful X-ray laser

© A. Allahgholi – CFEL
SPB camera on the XFEL with modules built at Fraunhofer IZM.

What is the structure of the Alzheimer’s protein? What happens in the body when cancer cells develop? Searching for the answers to questions like this leads researchers deep into the nano-cosmos. With the European XFEL, the world’s most powerful X-ray, entirely new possibilities are opening up for science. On September 1st, the device – which is more than 3 km long – was officially approved for research. It took an international team – including scientists from Fraunhofer IZM – eight years to develop the new technology.

The European XFEL will allow research groups to decode the three-dimensional structure of biomolecules and to analyze synthetic materials. The X-ray laser takes snapshots of the molecules by producing extremely bright and ultra-short light flashes – up to 27,000 times a second – 200 times more than other X-ray lasers. Strung together the images produce entire films, which can be used to research biochemical and chemical processes. As part of their participation in the European XFEL consortium, Fraunhofer IZM took on manufacturing of the modules for the SPB camera whose uses include the analysis of biomolecules. The Berlin-based research team deposited micrometer-sized solder balls to silicon wafers and then bonded 16 electronic read-out chips onto each of the 11 × 3 cm² X-ray-sensitive silicon sensor chips. This makes them the largest detector modules that have ever been assembled at the institute. The Fraunhofer researchers have already completed 20 camera modules for the European XFEL. The radiation produced by the X-ray laser, however, places a considerable stress on the modules. That is why the researchers are working on assembling up to 100 units.

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