A pixel detector with large dynamic range for high photon counting rates

In this paper, results obtained from a prototype photon counting detector are presented. The pixel size is 330 µm × 330 µm for a total area of 16 µm × 40 mm. The detector works at room temperature and its dynamic response ranges from 0.01 up to 10⁶ photons pixel^-1 s^-1. An energy resolution of about 1.5 keV has been measured. Very encouraging small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and diffraction patterns were obtained, demonstrating the success of the prototype. Plans for future developments based on this study are presented.