The HARE chip for efficient time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography

Serial synchrotron crystallography (SSX) is an emerging technique for static and time-resolved protein structure determination. Using specifically patterned silicon chips for sample delivery, the `hit-and-return' (HARE) protocol allows for efficient time-resolved data collection. The specific pattern of the crystal wells in the HARE chip provides direct access to many discrete time points. HARE chips allow for optical excitation as well as on-chip mixing for reaction initiation, making a large number of protein systems amenable to time-resolved studies. Loading of protein microcrystals onto the HARE chip is streamlined by a novel vacuum loading platform that allows fine-tuning of suction strength while maintaining a humid environment to prevent crystal dehydration. To enable the widespread use of time-resolved serial synchrotron crystallography (TR-SSX), detailed technical descriptions of a set of accessories that facilitate TR-SSX workflows are provided

SiMPl - an avalanche diode array with bulk integrated quench resistors for single photon detection

The so-called silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs, MPPCs, etc.) are already replacing photomultiplier tubes in many applications. Still the reproducibility and the cost requirements are not at the level required for the coverage of many square meters of detector area. Therefore a simple technology is desired which allows a high yield and keeps the detector costs in a reasonable range. In the existing devices the need of high ohmic polysilicon for the quench resistors is one of the most yield and cost driving technological issues. We are proposing a front-side illuminated detector structure with quench resistors integrated into the silicon bulk. In this concept other obstacles for light like metal lines or contacts can be omitted and therefore the fill factor is only limited by the gaps necessary for optical cross-talk suppression. Within the array the entire surface area remains non-structured and can be easily coated with an anti-reflective layer. Compared to existing devices the proposed detector has the potential of higher photon detection efficiency especially in the blue and the UV range, an improved hardness against ionizing radiation and a much simpler processing resulting in a higher production yield and lower costs. The quenching mechanism has been demonstrated in a proof-of-principle production performed in house. The second prototype fabrication on silicon on isolator substrates has been done and allows testing of the device performance. The results from the first measurements are presented

The first measurements on SiPMs with bulk integrated quench resistors

High ohmic polysilicon which is used as quench resistor in conventional Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) turns out to be an absorber for light and is one of the most cost and yield driving technological issues. The silicon photomultiplier is becoming a very good candidate for the replacement of conventional photomultiplier tubes and thus the development of these devices is very striking. We have proposed a new detector concept which has the quench resistor integrated into the silicon bulk avoiding polysilicon resistors. The quenching mechanism has been demonstrated in a proof of principle production performed in house. The first prototypes have been fabricated (second production run) and allowed testing of the device performance. The results from the first measurements will be presented. Based on these results the inherent advantages and drawbacks compared to standard SiPMs will be discussed