Characterization of SiPM Performance in a Small Satellite in Low Earth Orbit using LabOSat-01

TL;DR

This study characterizes the performance degradation of SensL SiPMs in Low Earth Orbit over 1460 days, highlighting radiation-induced dark current increase while other parameters remained stable.

Contribution

First in-orbit characterization of SensL SiPMs in LEO, demonstrating radiation effects on dark current and confirming stability of gain and photon detection efficiency.

Findings

Dark current increased up to 500 times due to radiation damage

Gain and photon detection efficiency remained stable

Total ionizing dose measured at 5 Gy

Abstract

In this work, the performance of SensL MicroFC-60035 SiPM devices was studied during a 1460-day mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using the LabOSat-01 characterization payload. Two of these platforms, carrying two SiPMs each, were integrated into the \~NuSat-7 satellite (COSPAR-ID: 2020-003B). Analysis revealed that these SiPMs experienced an increase in dark current over time due to damage from trapped and solar proton radiation. The total ionizing dose received by the payload and the SiPMs was measured using p-MOSFET dosimeters, with a resulting value of 5 Gy, or a 1 MeV neutron equivalent fluence of $\phi_n = 5 \cdot 10^9$ n/cm$^2$. The dark current was observed to increase up to 500 times. Parameters such as Gain and Photon Detection Efficiency remained unchanged throughout the mission. These findings align with previous performance reports involving different SiPMs irradiated with various particles and energies.