Erik M. Muller

The ClearXCam detector is a new video rate imaging in-beam monitor based on a diamond sensor. Imaging with 2304 effective pixels is achieved by sequentially biasing one of 48 metal stripes on one side of a diamond sensor, while reading out the current from 48 stripes on the other side of the sensor. This system was characterized for real-time X-ray beam diagnostics at synchrotron beamline 17-BM at the National Synchrotron Light Source II. Significant results include: detection of in-beam structure via the imaging mode, beam focusing in one minute with real-time imaging feedback during a focusing event, linearity over five orders of magnitude, validation of a fast mode operating at 100 Hz, and sub-micron beam-positioning resolution. The system is now available commercially.

A promising new concept of a diamond amplified photocathode for generation of high-current, high-brightness, and low thermal emittance electron beams was recently proposed and is currently under active development. To better understand the different effects involved, we have been developing models, within the VORPAL computational framework, to simulate secondary electron generation and charge transport in diamond. The implemented models include inelastic scattering of electrons and holes for generation of electron-hole pairs, elastic, phonon, and charge impurity scattering. We will discuss these models and present results from 3D VORPAL simulations on charge gain and collection efficiency as a function of primary electron energy and applied electric field. The implemented modeling capabilities already allow us to investigate specific effects and compare simulation results with experimental data.

Single crystal high purity CVD diamonds have been metallized and calibrated as photodiodes at the National Synchrotron Light Source (NSLS). Current mode responsivity measurements have been made over a wide range (0.2-28 keV) of photon energies across several beamlines. Linear response has been achieved over ten orders of magnitude of incident flux, along with uniform spatial response. A simple model of responsivity has been used to describe the results, yielding a value of 13.3±0.5 eV for the mean pair creation energy. The responsivity vs. photon energy data show a dip for photon energies near the carbon edge (284 eV), indicating incomplete charge collection for carriers created less than one micron from the metallized layer.