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 × 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.