Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction (SC-XRD)

SC-XRD Detectors

The ideal detector must faithfully record each and every photon diffracted. Our PHOTON IV and PHOTON III detectors offer an ideal combination of sensitivity, speed, dynamic range, resolution, and detector size.

Detectors for crystallographic applications require a unique combination of sensitivity, speed, dynamic range, resolution, and detector size. Because at Bruker we don’t believe in a one size-fits-all approach the PHOTON III series offers detectors in different sizes. The PHOTON IV and PHOTON III detector families take full advantage of very-high-flux X-ray sources.

These revolutionary detectors are offered in the, D8 QUEST ECO, D8 QUEST and D8 VENTURE. All our detectors for single crystal X-ray diffraction feature our unique air-cooled design, which gives you ultimate convenience and reliability, backed by our unmatched three-year detector warranty.

PHOTON IV - Unrivaled Data Quality

The new PHOTON IV detector represents a significant milestone in X-ray detector technology. It is the choice for researchers and professionals in crystallography who require accurate, precise, and reliable detection of X-ray diffraction signals. The PHOTON IV features a large active area, unprecedented sensitivity, and a high dynamic range, all achieved by utilizing the best scientific-grade CMOS active pixel sensors available.

Using proven principles of indirect detection along with a sensor with an ultra-low noise floor, the PHOTON IV elevates X-ray diffraction to a new level of precision and accuracy, all while offering ease of use and reliability.

Enhanced Dynamic Range allows for the simultaneous measurement of strong and weak reflections in the same image.
Superior High Frame Rate: even more accurate detection of weak and strong reflections.
Superb Count Rate Linearity: Data measured on the PHOTON IV are ultimately accurate, critical for highly demanding applications.
Best Efficiency for All Wavelengths (In, Ag, Mo, Ga, Cu) and All Applications.
Not a single photon lost: large monolithic sensor, no gaps, no blind spots.

Available in D8 QUEST ECO, D8 QUEST and D8 VENTURE our fourth-generation PHOTON detector brings a whole series of features and benefits compared to established detectors.

With its higher dynamic range, improved frame rate, minimal dark current, enhanced cooling system, high sensitivity, and superior linearity, the PHOTON IV detector offers unparalleled performance and reliability. These advancements make it an invaluable tool for researchers and professionals who demand the highest quality data and operational efficiency.

Large Active Area

The PHOTON IV detector is available with large active area in two versions tailored to your specific application needs. The PHOTON IV 8 has an active area of 111 × 72 and the PHOTON IV 16 features an active area of 111 × 145 mm².

The PHOTON IV detector brings X-ray diffraction to the next level of precision and accuracy combined with ease of use and reliability.

Download PHOTON IV Product Sheet

You need to accept cookies to play this video.

PHOTON III 7, PHOTON III 14 and PHOTON III 28

The PHOTON III series brought us the first pixel array detectors to support both, photon counting and charge integration for the best sensitivity and dynamic range. With no gaps and no charge sharing, the PHOTON III detector delivers the ultimate in laboratory crystallography data quality.

The detector active area of each detector is tailored to bring the best performance for your application needs to your laboratory:

Single-photon counting in space domain
Active area of up to 200 × 140 mm² without gaps
No count rate saturation, zero counting losses
Highest frame rate of any home laboratory detector
Eliminates the charge sharing noise that plagues current Hybrid Pixel Array Detectors (HPADs).
Excellent sensitivity over a wide energy range (Cu Kα to In Kα radiation)
No parallax, i.e. even at high incident angle, diffraction spots retain their true shape

The PHOTON III is available in three different sizes because at Bruker we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. The detector active area is tailored to ensure the best performance for your application needs.

PHOTON III 7 has an active area of 70 × 100 mm² it ideal for service crystallography and outperforms what many other systems can offer.
PHOTON III 14 - active area of 140 × 100 mm² - is the perfect solution for high-end crystallography applications and PX screening.
PHOTON III 28 features an active area of 140 × 200 mm², ideal for demanding applications is both, chemical crystallography and structural biology.
Dead-time free shutterless data collection

Photon counting and integration modes

Mixed-Mode Detection: Accuracy at Every Photon Level

Unlock the full potential of X-ray detection with mixed-mode technology, which combines photon-counting and integrating modes for unmatched sensitivity, dynamic range, and speed. Our advanced detectors excel at capturing faint signals with photon counting, while also efficiently handling intense exposures in integration mode. Experience crystal-clear results with accuracy, precision, and efficiency. Enhance your research and diffraction capabilities with the next generation of X-ray detection.

PHOTON IV