High-sensitivity low-noise photodetector using large-area silicon photomultiplier

TL;DR

This paper introduces a large-area silicon photomultiplier-based photon detector with noise reduction and improved response, offering a compact alternative to traditional photomultiplier tubes for weak-light detection.

Contribution

The work presents a novel large-area SiPM module with integrated noise suppression, enhanced response speed, and higher detection efficiency compared to conventional PMTs.

Findings

Higher photon detection efficiency than PMTs

Effective noise reduction with cooling and crosstalk suppression

Faster response and fewer readout channels

Abstract

The application of silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) technology for weak-light detection at a single photon level has expanded thanks to its better photon detection efficiency in comparison to a conventional photomultiplier tube (PMT). SiPMs with large detection area have recently become commercially available, enabling applications where the photon flux is low both temporarily and spatially. On the other hand, several drawbacks exist in the usage of SiPMs such as a higher dark count rate, many readout channels, slow response time, and optical crosstalk; therefore, users need to carefully consider the trade-offs. This work presents a SiPM-embedded compact large-area photon detection module. Various techniques are adopted to overcome the disadvantages of SiPMs so that it can be generally utilized as an upgrade from a PMT. A simple cooling component and recently developed optical crosstalk suppression method are adopted to reduce the noise which is more serious for larger-area SiPMs. A dedicated readout circuit increases the response frequency and reduces the number of readout channels. We favorably compare this design with a conventional PMT and obtain both higher photon detection efficiency and larger-area acceptance.