Improved photon detection efficiency


© Courtesy of Osservatorio Astrofisico di Catania. Teide Astronomical Observatory, Istituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC)

Certain types of photodetectors, such as MPPC (Multi-Pixel Photon Counter), are so sensitive that they allow the detection of a single photon. This is incredibly useful for High-Energy Physics experiments where there is a need to detect single photon absorption events. 

 

One of the most important parameters for MPPCs is the Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE). MPPCs have a peak sensitivity at a wavelength of around 400 to 500 nm. Its sensitivity is referred to as PDE and is the product of the fill factor (FF), quantum efficiency (QE), and avalanche probability (AP).

 

There are various strategies to enhance the near-UV photon detection efficiency (PDE) for wafer processing. The primary objective is to minimize lattice defects in the photoelectric conversion layer, aiming to boost both the minority carrier lifetime and the number of carriers reaching the avalanche layer.

 

Hamamatsu can provide custom solutions with specific PDE improvements. Recently, we were able to do so for the ASTRI Mini-Array experiment where nine telescopes will be installed at the Teide Astronomical Observatory, operated by the Istituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (IAC), on Mount Teide in Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain).

 

Read more about this in this paper: Silicon photomultipliers: gearing up for applications in gamma-ray astronomy – Physics World



Hamamatsu Photonics' PDE measurement setup

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