Active pixel matrix for X-ray satellite missions

Presents an active pixel matrix for high rate, spectroscopic and imaging X-ray detection. It is foreseen as a wide field imager on the XEUS (X-ray Evolving Universe Spectroscopy) satellite. A 1024×1024 pixel device with pixel sizes of 50-75 μm shall cover an area of 76 mm×76 mm. A single pixel consists of a p-channel DEPFET (DEPleted Field Effect Transistor). It is realized on high-Ohmic detector grade silicon allowing the bulk to be fully depleted to achieve high quantum efficiency. In a matrix arrangement pixels are interconnected in such a way that single rows can be randomly accessed and read-out. Various read-out modes can be realized making this detector an ideal instrument for the high dynamics in the photon flux on XEUS. A 64×64 pixel matrix prototype has been produced at the Max-Planck-Institut für Physik Halbleiterlabor (HLL). The authors describe the test system setup, and present measurements, which characterize the expected performance for a focal plane instrument