Cryogenic readout for multiple VUV4 Multi-Pixel Photon Counters in liquid xenon

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the successful cryogenic readout and characterization of a large array of VUV4 Multi-Pixel Photon Counters in liquid xenon, highlighting their potential for dark matter detection.

Contribution

It introduces a low-power cryogenic readout system for VUV4 MPPCs operating at liquid xenon temperatures, enabling scalable large-area photon detection.

Findings

Single photon detection capability confirmed

Effective gain equalization implemented

Suitable for large-scale liquid xenon detectors

Abstract

We present the performances and characterization of an array made of S13370-3050CN (VUV4 generation) Multi-Pixel Photon Counters manufactured by Hamamatsu and equipped with a low power consumption preamplifier operating at liquid xenon temperature (~ 175 K). The electronics is designed for the readout of a matrix of maximum dimension of 8 x 8 individual photosensors and it is based on a single operational amplifier. The detector prototype presented in this paper utilizes the Analog Devices AD8011 current feedback operational amplifier, but other models can be used depending on the application. A biasing correction circuit has been implemented for the gain equalization of photosensors operating at different voltages. The results show single photon detection capability making this device a promising choice for future generation of large scale dark matter detectors based on liquid xenon, such as DARWIN.