A fast energy-dispersive multi-element detector for X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

In this paper results are presented from fluorescence-yield X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy measurements with a new seven-cell silicon drift detector (SDD) module. The complete module, including an integrated circuit for the detector readout, was developed and realised at DESY utilizing a monolithic seven-cell SDD. The new detector module is optimized for applications like XAFS which require an energy resolution of approximately 250-300 eV (FWHM Mn Kalpha) at high count rates. Measurements during the commissioning phase proved the excellent performance for this type of application.