Towards a new concept of photomultiplier based on silicon technology

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel silicon-based photomultiplier concept by designing and characterizing 5x5 SPAD arrays, focusing on sensitivity, noise, timing, and integrated read-out effects.

Contribution

It introduces a new silicon photomultiplier concept using SPAD arrays and provides detailed characterization and analysis of their performance and integration effects.

Findings

High single photon sensitivity achieved

Dark noise levels characterized under various conditions

Timing resolution and integration effects studied

Abstract

In order to build a new concept of photomultiplier based on silicon technology, design and characterization of 5x5 arrays of a new generation of single photon avalanche diodes (SPAD) manufactured by ST-Microelectronics have been performed. Single photons sensitivity, dark noise and timing resolution of the SPAD- STM devices in several experimental conditions have been evaluated. Moreover, the effects arising from the multiple integration of many elements and the study of their common read-out have been deeply investigated.