Application of Geiger-mode photo sensors in Cherenkov detectors

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of Geiger-mode silicon photomultipliers in Cherenkov detectors, highlighting their advantages, characterization efforts, and a new light concentrator prototype to enhance photon detection.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel light concentrator prototype and evaluates SiPMs for optimized Cherenkov detector applications, including Monte Carlo simulations and efficiency measurements.

Findings

Successful design of an 8x8 light concentrator prototype

Enhanced photon detection efficiency demonstrated

Characterization of SiPMs for low-light particle detection

Abstract

Silicon-based photosensors (SiPMs) working in the Geiger-mode represent an elegant solution for the readout of particle detectors working at low-light levels like Cherenkov detectors. Especially the insensitivity to magnetic fields makes this kind of sensors suitable for modern detector systems in subatomic physics which are usually employing magnets for momentum resolution. In our institute we are characterizing SiPMs of different manufacturers for selecting sensors and finding optimum operating conditions for given applications. Recently we designed and built a light concentrator prototype with 8x8 cells to increase the active photon detection area of an 8x8 SiPM (Hamamatsu MPPC S10931-100P) array. Monte Carlo studies, measurements of the collection efficiency, and tests with the MPPC were carried out. The status of these developments are presented.