UVSiPM: a light detector instrument based on a SiPM sensor working in single photon counting

TL;DR

UVSiPM is a specialized light detector based on SiPM sensors, designed for single photon counting in the 320-900 nm range, aiding calibration and measurements for Cherenkov Telescope Array projects.

Contribution

The paper introduces UVSiPM, a new SiPM-based instrument with single photon counting capabilities for electromagnetic radiation measurement.

Findings

Enables precise calibration of Cherenkov telescopes.

Operates in single photon counting mode with 10 ns resolution.

Suitable for lab and field measurements.

Abstract

UVSiPM is a light detector designed to measure the intensity of electromagnetic radiation in the 320-900 nm wavelength range. It has been developed in the framework of the ASTRI project whose main goal is the design and construction of an end-to-end Small Size class Telescope prototype for the Cherenkov Telescope Array. The UVSiPM instrument is composed by a multipixel Silicon Photo-Multiplier detector unit coupled to an electronic chain working in single photon counting mode with 10 nanosecond double pulse resolution, and by a disk emulator interface card for computer connection. The detector unit of UVSiPM is of the same kind as the ones forming the camera at the focal plane of the ASTRI prototype. Eventually, the UVSiPM instrument can be equipped with a collimator to regulate its angular aperture. UVSiPM, with its peculiar characteristics, will permit to perform several measurements both in lab and on field, allowing the absolute calibration of the ASTRI prototype.