In our article we report first quantitative measurements of imaging
performance for the current generation of hybrid pixel detector, Medipix3, as
direct electron detector. Utilising beam energies of 60 & 80 keV, measurements
of modulation transfer function (MTF) and detective quantum efficiency (DQE)
have revealed that, in single pixel mode (SPM), energy threshold values can be
chosen to maximize either the MTF or DQE, obtaining values near to, or even
exceeding, those for an ideal detector. We have demonstrated that the Medipix3
charge summing mode (CSM) can deliver simultaneous, near ideal values of both
MTF and DQE. To understand direct detection performance further we have
characterized the detector response to single electron events, building an
empirical model which can predict detector MTF and DQE performance based on
energy threshold. Exemplifying our findings we demonstrate the Medipix3 imaging
performance, recording a fully exposed electron diffraction pattern at 24-bit
depth and images in SPM and CSM modes. Taken together our findings highlight
that for transmission electron microscopy performed at low energies (energies
<100 keV) thick hybrid pixel detectors provide an advantageous and alternative
architecture for direct electron imagin