An integrated general purpose SiPM based optical module with a high dynamic range

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile SiPM-based optical module with high dynamic range, suitable for scintillator applications and harsh environments, featuring integrated biasing, multiple pre-amplifiers, and optimized light guides.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel integrated SiPM optical module with multiple gain levels and light guides, enhancing dynamic range and robustness for large-scale detector applications.

Findings

Demonstrated high electrical and optical performance in laboratory tests.

Successfully operated in harsh environmental conditions at the Pierre Auger Observatory.

Validated the module's suitability for scintillator-based detection systems.

Abstract

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are semiconductor-based light-sensors offering a high gain, a mechanically and optically robust design and high photon detection efficiency. Due to these characteristics, they started to replace conventional photomultiplier tubes in many applications in recent years. This paper presents an optical module based on SiPMs designed for the application in scintillators as well as lab measurements. The module hosts the SiPM bias voltage supply and three pre-amplifiers with different gain levels to exploit the full dynamic range of the SiPMs. Two SiPMs, read-out in parallel, are equipped with light guides to increase the sensitive area. The light guides are optimized for the read-out of wavelength shifting fibers as used in many plastic scintillator detectors. The optical and electrical performance of the module is characterized in detail in laboratory measurements. Prototypes have been installed and tested in a modified version of the Scintillator Surface Detector developed for AugerPrime, the upgrade of the Pierre Auger Observatory. The SiPM module is operated in the Argentinian Pampas and first data proves its usability in such harsh environments.