e2v components power Japan’s biggest scientific project

e2v thyratrons and imaging sensors have been chosen to form part of the new X-ray Free Electron Laser (XFEL) facility that is being built at the SPring-8 radiation facility located in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. A joint project between RIKEN (Japan’s large natural sciences research institute) and the Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute (JASRI) the XFEL has already been designated as a key technology of national importance by the Japanese government. e2v thyratrons will power XFEL, whilst e2v imaging sensors will measure the results.
Due for completion in 2011, the new XFEL facility will produce light which is a billion times brighter than the current SPring-8 synchrotron (which produces X-rays ten billion times brighter than the sun), making it a new kind of light source. It will produce x-ray wavelengths of less than 0.1 nanometers (roughly the size of an atom) and will be used to help see the miniscule world of atoms and electrons. This is expected to advance research in a variety of scientific fields including biology and nano technology, making it the most promising light source for the next generation of scientific exploration and discovery.

The e2v CX1836 thyratrons and driver units to be supplied will form the heart of the high voltage power supply for the electron accelerator. Switching 45,000 Volts and 4,000 amps 50 times per second, the thyratrons will transfer power to the klystrons which supply microwaves to the accelerator. The electrons are travelling at close to the speed of light and so the precise timing afforded by e2v thyratrons is critical to successful operation of the X-ray laser. These thyratrons are in operation at major high-energy physics establishments throughout the world and have an enviable reputation for performance and reliability.

e2v’s CCDs will be detecting the X-rays scattered by the scientific samples in the XFEL beam. From these scattered X-rays scientists will be able to “see” the atomic structure of proteins and other nano-scale structures. e2v is carrying out a custom CCD design for the XFEL. The CCD and CCD package design will enable a 100mm x 100mm X-ray sensitive focal plane with a 50micron pixel resolution to be constructed. The CCDs will readout at 60 frames per second to capture the 2 – 12keV X-rays scattered from the beam. e2v custom CCDs were selected after an extensive survey of current technologies followed by feasibility studies performed by XCam Ltd and RIKEN. The development project for custom CCDs was successfully launched on March 18.

Ewan Livingstone General Manager of Medical and High Power RF at e2v said “I am delighted that e2v has been chosen for critical tasks at both ends of the XFEL machine. It is testament to the high quality of design and manufacture that e2v strives for in meeting and exceeding the requirements of the world’s most demanding applications.”

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PRESS OFFICE CONTACT:

Jessica Broom
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NOTES FOR EDITORS

e2v

e2v’s objective is to be a global leader in the design and supply of specialised components and sub-systems that enable the world’s leading systems companies to deliver innovative solutions for medical and science, aerospace and defence, and commercial and industrial markets.

e2v has 4 major product groups:

• High performance electron devices and subsystems for applications including defence electronic countermeasures, radiotherapy cancer treatment, and radar systems
• Advanced Imaging sensors and cameras for applications including industrial process control, dental X-ray systems, space science and life sciences
• Specialist semiconductors, including logic, memory and microprocessors for high reliability mission-critical programs in avionics, defence and telecommunications, sensor data acquisition, and high speed data conversion
• A range of professional sensing products for applications including fire, rescue and security thermal imaging, X-ray spectroscopy, and military surveillance, targeting and guidance

For the year ended 31 March 2008, e2v achieved sales of £205m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In October 2008 e2v acquired QP semiconductor, a leading US-based designer and supplier of specialty semiconductor components used in military and aerospace applications, establishing e2v’s first US manufacturing base.

The Company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has approximately 1800 employees in six production facilities across Europe and North America. e2v also operates a global network of sales and technical support offices, supported by local distributors and resellers.

Further information is available from www.e2v.com