Development and Applications of the Timepix3 Readout Chip

A new pixel readout chip called Timepix3 is being developed that can be used in a wide range of applications varying from X-rays imaging to particle track reconstruction. The Timepix3 will be suitable for readout of both semiconductor detectors and gas-filled detectors. Depending on the application requirements user can choose one out of three data acquisition modes available in the Timepix3. In the most advanced mode both arrival time information and charge deposit information will be delivered for each hit together with the coordinates of the active pixel. The chosen architecture allows for continuous and trigger-free readout of sparsely distributed data with the rate up to 20Mhits•cm-2 •sec-1. For imaging applications and for calibrations the possibility exists of operating in frame-based (non-continuous) data readout mode. The Timepix3 chip is planned for production in the beginning of 2012