Towards SiPM camera for current and future generations of Cherenkov telescopes (original) (raw)
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Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2018
Many of the characteristics of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs), such as high Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE), are well matched to the requirements of the cameras of the Small-Sized Telescopes (SSTs) proposed for the Cherenkov Telescope Array. In fact, compared to a single mirror, the double mirror Schwarzschild-Couder configuration provides a much better Point Spread Function over a large field of view. It allows better correction of aberrations at large off-axis angles and facilitates the construction of compact telescopes. Moreover, the small plate scale of the dual-mirror SSTs allows the use of SiPM detectors despite their small pixel sizes. These sensors have two further advantages compared to the Photo Multipliers Tubes: the low cost and the possibility to observe in very high Night Sky Background (NSB) light level without any damage. However, one area in which SiPM performance has required improvement is Optical Cross-Talk (OCT), where multiple avalanches are induced by a single impinging photon. OCT, coupled with the typical NSB rate of 25 MCnts/s per pixel during Cherenkov observations, can place severe constraints on the triggering capability of the cameras. This paper describes the performance of novel Low Voltage Reverse (LVR) 2 nd and 3 rd generation Multi-Pixel Photon Counters manufactured by Hamamatsu Photonics. These are designed to have both enhanced PDE and reduced OCT. Two 7 × 7 mm 2 S14520 LVR2 MPPCs with 75 μm micro-cells are tested and compared with detectors of the same pixel size with 50 μm micro-cells. A comparative analysis of a 3 × 3 mm 2 S14520 LVR2 device and an S14520 LVR3 device is also carried out, demonstrating that the LVR3 gives better photon detection in the 240-380 nm wavelength range. Finally, the effect of an infrared filter on the OCT is analysed.
2021
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have become the baseline choice for cameras of the smallsized telescopes (SSTs) of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA). On the other hand, SiPMs are relatively new to the field and covering large surfaces and operating at high data rates still are challenges to outperform photomultipliers (PMTs). The higher sensitivity in the near infra-red and longer signals compared to PMTs result in higher night sky background rate for SiPMs. However, the robustness of the SiPMs represents a unique opportunity to ensure long-term operation with low maintenance and better duty cycle than PMTs. The proposed camera for large size telescopes will feature 0.05 • pixels, low power and fast front-end electronics and a fully digital readout. In this work, we present the status of dedicated simulations and data analysis for the performance estimation. The design features and the different strategies identified, so far, to tackle the demanding requirements and the improved performance are described.
SiPM and front-end electronics development for Cherenkov light detection
Proceedings of The 34th International Cosmic Ray Conference — PoS(ICRC2015), 2016
SiPM and front-end electronics development for Cherenkov light detection G. Ambrosi (1) , F. Acerbi (2) , E. Bissaldi * † (3) , A. Ferri (2) , F. Giordano (3,4) , A. Gola (2) , M. Ionica (1) , R. Paoletti (5,6) , C. Piemonte (2) , G. Paternoster (2) , D. Simone † (3) , V. Vagelli (1) , G. Zappala (3) , N. Zorzi (3) , for the CTA Consortium ‡
FACT - The First G-APD Cherenkov Telescope: Status and Results
The First G-APD Cherenkov telescope (FACT) is the first telescope using silicon photon detectors (G-APD aka. SiPM). It is built on the mount of the HEGRA CT3 telescope, still located at the Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos, and it is successfully in operation since Oct. 2011. The use of Silicon devices promises a higher photon detection efficiency, more robustness and higher precision than photo-multiplier tubes. The FACT collaboration is investigating with which precision these devices can be operated on the long-term. Currently, the telescope is successfully operated from remote and robotic operation is under development. During the past months of operation, the foreseen monitoring program of the brightest known TeV blazars has been carried out, and first physics results have been obtained including a strong flare of Mrk501. An instantaneous flare alert system is already in a testing phase. This presentation will give an overview of the project and summarize its goals, stat...
Application of Geiger-mode photosensors in Cherenkov detectors
Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research Section A-accelerators Spectrometers Detectors and Associated Equipment, 2011
Silicon-based photosensors (SiPMs) working in the Geiger-mode represent an elegant solution for the readout of particle detectors working at low-light levels like Cherenkov detectors. Especially the insensitivity to magnetic fields makes this kind of sensors suitable for modern detector systems in subatomic physics which are usually employing magnets for momentum resolution. In our institute we are characterizing SiPMs of different manufacturers for selecting sensors and finding optimum operating conditions for given applications. Recently we designed and built a light concentrator prototype with 8×8 cells to increase the active photon detection area of an 8×8 SiPM (Hamamatsu MPPC S10931-100P) array. Monte Carlo studies, measurements of the collection efficiency, and tests with the MPPC were carried out. The status of these developments are presented.