SiC Free-Standing Membrane XBPMs for Tender and Hard X-ray Beamlines

SenSiC free-standing silicon carbide XBPMs are designed for accurate, compact, and minimally invasive X-ray beam monitoring in advanced synchrotron and laboratory beamlines.

By combining the intrinsic robustness of 4H-SiC with the thin free-standing membrane architectures, these devices provide real-time information on beam intensity and position while preserving a high X-ray transmission. This makes them especially suitable for beamlines where continuous diagnostics are required close to the experiment, without introducing bulky hardware or significantly perturbing the beam.

Features

Silicon carbide XBPM sensors are composed of diodes in 2×2 array configurations, with gaps of 2 µm or 6 µm, large active areas, and a central region with defined high transparencies. The sensor can be operated at zero bias with >80% Charge Collection Efficiency (CCE), and feature a membrane uniformity below 5%.

The free-standing membrane has a granted circular diameter from 3 mm to 5 mm or with square/rectangular apertures, up to 5×5 mm².

Square and rectangular openings for the SiC free-standing membranes

Available membrane thicknesses

SenSiC free-standing membrane XBPMs are available in different standard thicknesses to match the transmission, sensitivity, and mechanical requirements of each beamline application.

Standard membrane thicknesses include 1 µm, 2 µm, 10 µm, 20 µm and 35 µm. Thinner membranes are typically preferred when maximum X-ray transmission is required, while thicker membranes can provide higher signal generation and increased mechanical robustness.

Contact us to explore the better solution for you according to the photon-energy range, expected flux, beam size and required monitoring performance.

In-House Characterization

Each SiC free-standing membrane XBPM is characterized in-house using a 5.4 keV X-ray source to verify proper device operation before delivery. This quality-control step allows us to assess the sensor response under controlled irradiation conditions and to provide customers with essential information on the device behavior, including signal generation, uniformity, and operating recommendations. As a result, each customer receives not only a sensor, but a tested diagnostic component with the technical data needed to support integration, and operation in the target beamline environment.

What’s Included

All our sensors are mounted on a 3×4 cm² aluminum-core circuit boards for easy connection, finished in FR4 or ceramic, to adapt to every specific need. The electrical connection is granted by pre-soldered UMC contacts and by UMC-SMA cables included in the package. The whole product is air- as well as UHV- (10⁻⁸ mbar) compatible.

Mounted sensors are also available with plastic or metal covers to avoid damaging the sensor surface or the wire bondings during handling and installation.

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