An optomechanical system creating an X-ray detector combining 3 cameras, 5 lenses and 12 scintillators was designed and built for the ANKA synchrotron. We named it Transformer for its ability to move into various measurement configurations in a motorized manner.

Transformer – flexible imaging system

We have implemented into the ANKA synchrotron a detection system that combines a number of detectors and meets the following parameters:

• The system is designed for high fluxes of X-ray radiation
• Up to 3 cameras can be integrated into the system, each one is independently rotatable around its axis. Exchange of the cameras and change of the angle are motorized
• The system includes 4 microscope objectives for combinations with high magnification, and 1 objective for combinations with large numerical aperture. The exchange of lenses, the change of magnification and focusing are motorized
• The system includes slots for 12 scintillators. Their exchange and adjustment of perpendicular to the optical axis are again motorized
• To eliminate the yellowing of optics at high x-ray flows due to scattered x-ray radiation, the system is equipped with two UV radiation sources, which deactivate the cores that cause yellowing of currently unused lenses
• Scintillator holder, UV radiation sources and a mirror in direct x-ray flux are cooled by liquid
• It contains 14 motorized axles in total