A new generation photodetector for astroparticle physics: the VSiPMT

TL;DR

The paper introduces the VSiPMT, a novel photon detector combining a photocathode with a SiPM to enhance photon detection in astroparticle physics, demonstrating promising performance and feasibility.

Contribution

It presents the design, development, and full characterization of the VSiPMT, a new photodetector that replaces the dynode chain with a SiPM, offering low power and high photon counting capabilities.

Findings

Successful prototype development by Hamamatsu.

Effective electron detection and amplification demonstrated.

Potential for improved photon detection in astroparticle physics.

Abstract

The VSiPMT (Vacuum Silicon PhotoMultiplier Tube) is an innovative design we proposed for a revolutionary photon detector. The main idea is to replace the classical dynode chain of a PMT with a SiPM (G-APD), the latter acting as an electron detector and amplifier. The aim is to match the large sensitive area of a photocathode with the performance of the SiPM technology. The VSiPMT has many attractive features. In particular, a low power consumption and an excellent photon counting capability. To prove the feasibility of the idea we first tested the performance of a special non-windowed SiPM by Hamamatsu (MPPC) as electron detector and current amplifier. Thanks to this result Hamamatsu realized two VSiPMT industrial prototypes. In this work, we present the results of a full characterization of the VSiPMT prototype.