How does a silicon photomultiplier work?
A silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) is a solid-state photodetector that in response to absorption of a photon can produce a current pulse several tens nanoseconds long containing 105 to 106 electrons. Therefore, a SiPM has a gain. This gain is comparable to that of a photomultiplier tube (PMT).
Who invented SiPM?
Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) have been invented in Russia at the end of XX century. SiPM is a novel type photodetector for low intensity light registration (at the level of single photons). Laboratory of Silicon Photomultipliers (department №40 of MEPhI)led by prof.
What is SiPM detector?
The Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) is a sensor that addresses the challenge of sensing, timing and quantifying low-light signals down to the single-photon level. The SiPM features low-voltage operation, insensitivity to magnetic fields, mechanical robustness and excellent uniformity of response.
What is quenching resistor?
The quenching resistor will divide the bias on the APD and avalanche was quenched as the voltage dropt on the device is reduced. Dark count rate (DCR) and photo count rate (PCR) were obtained by capturing the voltage pulses on the sampling resistor (500 Ω) with a high speed oscilloscope.
How does a Spad work?
SPADs are semiconductor devices based on a p-n junction reversed biased at a voltage higher than the breakdown voltage. At this bias, the electric field is so high (higher than 3E5 V/cm) that a single charge carrier injected in the depletion layer can trigger a self-sustaining avalanche.
How does a PMT work?
A photomultiplier tube, useful for light detection of very weak signals, is a photoemissive device in which the absorption of a photon results in the emission of an electron. These detectors work by amplifying the electrons generated by a photocathode exposed to a photon flux.
When were Sipms invented?
The photomultiplier tube was invented in 1934, and just six years later the first all-silicon photodiode was demonstrated in 1940.
What is Geiger mode APD?
Geiger mode, discussed in detail later, is a way of operating an APD so that it produces a fast electrical pulse of several volts amplitude in response to the detection of even a single photon. With simple level shifting, this pulse can trigger a digital CMOS circuit incorporated into the pixel.
How does an avalanche diode work?
Avalanche diode allows electric current in reverse direction when reverse bias voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage. When forward bias voltage is applied to the avalanche diode, it works like a normal p-n junction diode by allowing electric current through it.
What are dark counts?
The dark count rate is the average rate of registered counts without any incident light. This determines the minimum count rate at which the signal is dominantly caused by real photons.
What is PMT technology?
PMT is the technology state of the art at present. The photomultiplier is an extremely sensitive light detector providing a current output proportional to light intensity. Photomultipliers are used to measure any process which directly or indirectly emits light.