Auniontech X-Ray Camera c

Overview

The Auniontech X-Ray Camera c is a high-performance, direct-conversion X-ray imaging sensor engineered for scientific and industrial micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) applications. Unlike indirect CCD/CMOS-based detectors that rely on fiber-optic tapers or lens coupling, this camera utilizes a high-efficiency phosphor scintillator directly coupled to a low-noise, back-illuminated scientific CMOS sensor — enabling high quantum detection efficiency (QDE) across the 20–120 keV range typical of laboratory X-ray sources. Its core architecture supports frame-synchronized acquisition in both continuous and triggered modes, making it suitable for time-resolved tomographic reconstruction, phase-contrast imaging, and dynamic in situ experiments. Designed to meet the stringent spatial and temporal fidelity requirements of modern micro-CT platforms — including those validated by Bruker microCT (formerly SkyScan) — the camera delivers sub-pixel geometric stability and radiometric linearity essential for quantitative volumetric analysis.

Key Features

• Peltier thermoelectric cooling to −15 °C (stabilized), reducing dark current and enabling long-exposure acquisitions without thermal noise degradation
• Ultra-low readout noise (<3.5 e⁻ RMS at 10 kHz readout speed), critical for low-dose X-ray imaging and weak-signal detection
• Native support for partial region-of-interest (ROI) readout and hardware-level pixel binning (2×2, 4×4), optimizing frame rate and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per application demand
• Compact mechanical footprint (≤120 × 120 × 85 mm) and low power draw (<12 W typical), facilitating integration into space-constrained gantry systems and portable X-ray setups
• Fully programmable external triggering interface (TTL-compatible) with sub-microsecond jitter, synchronized to X-ray pulse generators or rotation stages
• Cross-platform SDK with native C/C++, Python, and MATLAB bindings, supporting custom pipeline development for real-time preprocessing, flat-field correction, and GPU-accelerated reconstruction workflows

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The X-Ray Camera c is compatible with polychromatic and monochromatic X-ray sources operating from sealed-tube laboratory generators (e.g., Hamamatsu L12161, Oxford Instruments XTF) to synchrotron beamlines with appropriate beam filtration. It has been rigorously validated for use in commercial micro-CT systems certified under ISO 15739:2013 (imaging system noise measurement) and ASTM E1441-22 (standard guide for computed tomography). Its radiation-hardened housing and stable gain calibration ensure reproducible performance over extended operational lifetimes (>20,000 hours MTBF). The camera meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EN 61326-1) and safety (EN 61010-1), and its firmware architecture supports audit-ready metadata logging aligned with GLP/GMP documentation practices.

Software & Data Management

Auniontech provides a modular software suite including AunionView (GUI-based acquisition), AunionSDK (low-level API), and AunionCalib (geometric & radiometric calibration toolkit). All software modules generate DICOM-compliant image headers and support HDF5/NXtomo export for seamless ingestion into reconstruction engines such as TomoPy, ASTRA Toolbox, or commercial packages like Bruker CTAn and Avizo. Raw data streams include embedded timestamps, exposure metadata, and temperature telemetry — enabling full traceability required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated preclinical imaging studies. Optional integration with LabVIEW and EPICS IOC drivers allows deployment in automated beamline control environments.

Applications

• High-resolution micro-CT of biological soft tissue, bone scaffolds, and polymer composites
• In situ mechanical testing (tensile/compression) with real-time 3D strain mapping
• Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of additive-manufactured parts for porosity and defect characterization
• Phase-contrast imaging using grating interferometry or edge-illumination geometries
• Time-lapse tomography of battery electrode degradation, fluid flow in porous media, or root-soil interactions
• Preclinical small-animal imaging in conjunction with low-energy microfocus sources

FAQ

Is this camera compatible with Bruker SkyScan micro-CT systems?
Yes — the X-Ray Camera c has undergone full functional and metrological validation on Bruker SkyScan 1272, 1275, and 2214 platforms, including synchronization with sample rotation encoders and automatic flat-field referencing.
Does the camera support real-time flat-field correction?
Yes — via hardware-triggered reference frame acquisition (dark/flat) interleaved with projection capture, fully controllable through the SDK.
What is the maximum sustained frame rate at full resolution?
At 2048 × 2048 pixels with 12-bit digitization and Peltier cooling active, the sustained frame rate is 15 fps; ROI readout enables >60 fps for smaller fields.
Can I perform energy-selective imaging with this detector?
No — the camera operates in integrating mode only and does not provide spectral discrimination; for energy-resolved detection, a hybrid pixel detector (e.g., Medipix3) would be required.
Is remote operation supported over GigE or USB3?
Yes — the camera uses USB3 Vision protocol with GenICam-compliant driver stack, enabling remote configuration and streaming over standard network infrastructure with minimal latency.