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Hybrid pixel detectors for electron diffraction of nano-samples

Research Project
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01.01.2016
 - 31.12.2016

We propose adapting the Eiger hybrid pixel detector developed at PSI and commercialised by the awardwinning Swiss company Dectris for measuring the atomic structure of nanometer sized samples by free electron diffraction. Our pilot electron diffraction studies with CERN-developed Timepix hybrid pixel detectors with an Si sensor, indicate that Eiger detectors with a CdTe or GaAs sensor would ensure a major improvement in performance. Currently, Eiger detectors also have an Si sensor, like Medipix. The improvements we propose will allow us to study 3D structures of molecules in atomic detail using only minute amounts of sample, including crystals of organic compounds that are only 20 nm in size. This will be a significant step forwards in mastering the molecular world at the sub-nanometer scale. We will build an Eiger detector into a 300 kV electron microscope, and quantify its parameters for highenergy electron detection (DQE as a function of resolution and dose). We will investigate how to optimally combine the Eiger design with a high Z sensor (GaAs or CdTe). We will validate our results in structural studies of weakly diffracting, radiation sensitive nano-samples (pharmaceuticals, protein nano-crystals, zeolites and other nano-particles), which currently can only be studied in bulk. We will test to what extent the detector can be used for imaging of radiation sensitive samples using geometric superresolution. Our project will result in a scientific instrument that can be developed by Dectris into a commercial product.

Members (5)

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Jan Pieter Abrahams

Principal Investigator
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Henning Stahlberg

Co-Investigator
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Bernd Schmitt

Project Member
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Clemens Schulze-Briese

Project Member
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Tim Grüne

Project Member