Dynamic range extension of SiPM detectors with the time-gated operation

Opt Express. 2014 May 19;22(10):12007-12. doi: 10.1364/OE.22.012007.

Abstract

The silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) is a novel detector technology that has undergone a fast development in the last few years, owing to its single-photon resolution and ultra-fast response time. However, the typical high dark count rates of the sensor may prevent the detection of low intensity radiation fluxes. In this article, the time-gated operation with short active periods in the nanosecond range is proposed as a solution to reduce the number of cells fired due to noise and thus increase the dynamic range. The technique is aimed at application fields that function under a trigger command, such as gated fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't