SiPM used as fast Photon-Counting Module and for Multiphoton Detection

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the use of Silicon Photo Multiplier (SiPM) for fast photon counting and multiphoton detection, achieving high temporal resolution and effective photon number discrimination at 532 nm.

Contribution

It introduces the application of SiPM as a fast photon-counting and multiphoton detection module with specific performance metrics.

Findings

Able to detect two photons separated by 2.3 ns at 430 MHz

Counting efficiency of 8.3% at 532 nm with 50 kHz dark count rate

Effective discrimination of different numbers of simultaneous photons

Abstract

We demonstrate fast counting and multiphoton detection abilities of a Silicon Photo Multiplier (SiPM). In fast counting mode we are able to detect two consecutive photons separated by only 2.3 ns corresponding to 430 MHz. The counting efficiency for small optical intensities at a wavelength of 532 nm was found to be around 8.3% with a dark count rate of 50 kHz at T=-7 degrees Celsius. Using the SiPM in multiphoton detection mode, we find a good signal discrimination for different numbers of simultaneous detected photons.