A Large-Format High-Resolution Area X-ray Detector Based on a Fiber-Optically Bonded Charge-Coupled Device (CCD)

An efficient two-dimensional X-ray detector based on direct imaging of an X-ray-sensitive phosphor with a high-resolution (1024 x 1024) charge-coupled device (CCD) array has been constructed and characterized. High detective quantum efficiency is obtained without an intensification stage through direct coupling of the phosphor to the CCD with a fiber-optic taper. The CCD is read out directly into computer memory, permitting X-ray images to be evaluated immediately after exposure without the need for a time-consuming scanning operation. The device has a large dynamic range, excellent spatial resolution and low noise characteristics, making it suitable both for macromolecular crystallography and for recording the weak diffuse signals encountered in small-angle diffraction experiments. Analysis of crystallography data taken at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source gave R(sym) values equal or superior to those of other recording media for several protein and virus crystals.