The New EIGER2 Family of HPC X-Ray Detectors

DECTRIS is the global leader in hybrid photon counting (HPC) X-ray detection. Recently, DECTRIS has announced the new EIGER2 family of HPC X-ray detectors. AZoM spoke to Marcus Müller, Product Manager XRD at DECTRIS, about the novel EIGER2 detector family, the technological evolution it represents and the advantages for researchers and users.

Tell us what is new about the EIGER2 X-ray detectors?

The EIGER2 detectors are based on a new application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) called IBEX. This new ASIC was developed by DECTRIS to further improve the performance of the successful EIGER detectors. The IBEX ASIC is a big step forward for HPC technology. With more than 150 million transistors, about five times as many as the EIGER ASIC, IBEX is one of the most sophisticated ASICs for X-ray detection. Furthermore, the EIGER2 detectors also feature new readout boards, which are required to unleash the full performance and all features of the new IBEX ASIC.

Image credit: Dectris Ltd.

Why has the IBEX ASIC five times more transistors than  EIGER?

IBEX requires that many transistors because it provides highly beneficial new features to the users of the EIGER2 detectors. First, IBEX provides two energy discriminating thresholds in contrast to one threshold in EIGER. While a single threshold allows for complete suppression of detector dark noise and substantial reduction of fluorescence background, two thresholds enable the suppression of high energy background such as cosmic radiation - a great benefit for many laboratory applications requiring long exposure times such as SAXS. Second, for each of the two energy discriminating thresholds in every pixel, IBEX features two 16 bit digital counters. This allows for simultaneous read/write and highest dynamic range, even while benefitting from the dual energy discrimination. Third, and most important to our synchrotron users, IBEX supports the patented DECTRIS Instant Retrigger Technology, which provides non paralyzable single-photon counting and superior count rate performance matching the needs of 4th generation synchrotrons.

What detector models will be part of the  EIGER2 family and when will they become available?

Like the EIGER and PILATUS3 families, the EIGER2 family will consist of an X series for synchrotron beamlines and an R series for laboratory instruments.

The EIGER2 X series for synchrotron applications will be available from early 2019 in models corresponding to the current EIGER X series. Also in the beginning of 2019, the current laboratory models EIGER R 1M and 4M will be succeeded by models from the EIGER2 family. DECTRIS decided to announce the EIGER2 family early on, as many of our customers, particularly at synchrotrons and research facilities, need to plan their instruments and budget some time ahead. We want to make sure they can start benefitting from EIGER2 right after the new detectors become available.

One important exception is the new EIGER2 R 500K because it is the first model of the EIGER2 family to be available. The EIGER2 R 500K does not have a direct predecessor in the current EIGER family and comes in a new, space saving form factor for easy integration into instruments. It is mostly targeted towards 2D XRD, but is also a great WAXS detector. The EIGER2 R 500K provides an economical solution to collect excellent data in single crystal diffraction.

What else can you tell us about the new EIGER2 R 500K detector?

So far, all detectors for 2D XRD demanded trade-offs between pixel size, active area, maximum count rates, and the capability for low- and high-energy discrimination. Now, the EIGER2 R 500K puts an end to these compromises. This second generation EIGER detector combines small pixels for high resolution, a large active area for efficient data acquisition, and unsurpassed count rates for accurate measurements of highest intensities. The capability of the new IBEX ASIC for dual energy discrimination in combination with simultaneous read/write allows for extensive background suppression and high dynamic range at the same time. High frame rates enable instrument manufacturers to make sophisticated 0D, 1D, and 2D data acquisition modes available. Users will get all these benefits in a maintenance-free detector with DECTRIS' proven reliability.

On what instruments is the new EIGER2 R 500K detector available?

The EIGER2 R 500K is available on X-ray powder diffractometers of Bruker AXS, as a WAXS detector in the SAXS/WAXS instruments of Anton Paar, and on the STADIVARI diffractometer of STOE. In addition to that, several other OEM partners of DECTRIS are working on integrating the EIGER2 R 500K into their instruments to bring the advantages of this new detector to their customers. Needless to say, the EIGER2 R 500K can also be obtained directly from DECTRIS by any customer who wants to upgrade his or her own custom lab instrument with modern detector technology.

Where can our readers find out more about the new EIGER2 R 500K detector?

Further information and specifications are available on our website.

About Marcus Mueller PhD

Marcus Müller, PhD is the Product Manager XRD at DECTRIS and is responsible for their OEM partners.