Properties of Silicon Photomultipliers

POSTER

Abstract

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) are an emerging type of photon detector that could potentially replace photomultiplier tubes (PMT). SiPMs are arrays of Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) that operate in Geiger Mode, meaning that the impact ionization from a photon can trigger an avalanche current on a silicon substrate. The advantages of SiPMs over PMTs are their ability to detect single photons, high durability, low operating voltages, low cost, and ability to function in strong magnetic fields. However, SiPMs have a characteristic noise generated from quantum effects which can affect performance when used in applications where a small number of photons are expected. In this study the market and properties of SiPMs (dark noise, afterpulsing, cross-talk) are analyzed in order to evaluate possible applications and feasibility of their use in various fields of research. Testing is done on a Hamamatsu SiPM array to measure the noise of the device and measure the variation of the noise level with temperature and operating voltage. In conclusion, SiPMs have demonstrated to be a low cost alternative to PMTs when the application is such that noise levels are acceptable.

Authors

  • Jesse Finley

    Western Kentucky Univ

  • Brad Cox

    North Carolnia State University, Vanderbilt University, University of South Carolina, University of Virginia, Francis Marion Univ, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Florida International University, Georgia College, JINR, Tsinghua University, LBNL, GANIL, Austin Peay State University, Lehigh University, University of Pardubice, Universit\'e de Rennes, Austin Peay State University Department of Physics and Astronomy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge TN 37831, American Superconductor Corp., Westborough MA 01581, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega GA 30597, Florida State University, Ecole Polytechnique, Space Telescope Science Institute, Fermi National Accelerator Lab, National Optical Astronomy Observatory, Austin Peay State Univerity, North Carolna State University, Florida Intl Univ, University of North Georgia, Clemson University, Clemson Univ, Vanderbilt University/ORNL, Vanderbilt University/Univ. of Kentucky, College of William and Mary, Louisiana State University, Presbyterian College, North Carolina State Univ, Department of Physics, Virginia Tech, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Virginia Tech University, Hollins University, University of Tennessee Space Institute, Davidson College, University of Tennessee, American Superconductor Corporation, University of South Alabama, North Carolina State University, James Madison University, Lousiana State University, Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute, Changwon Korea