Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) on electronic board with neon background

The silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) technology represents a groundbreaking advancement in photodetection, offering not only high measurement performance but also exceptional reliability in a compact and energy-efficient design. SiPM technology provides enhanced mechanical and electromagnetic robustness, ensuring that virtually no loss in quality is expected over time, making it a resilient and durable solution for a wide range of applications.

Benefits of SiPM technology

  • Up to 99% reduction of energy costs 
  • Smaller installation size 
  • 2-wire technology

More about SiPM technology

Up to 99% reduction in energy costs

SiPM technology significantly lowers operational costs with its high energy efficiency, achieving up to 99% reduction in energy costs compared to traditional photomultiplier systems.

 

Compact design and smaller installation footprint

Thanks to its optimized design, SiPM devices require minimal installation space, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of integration, especially in areas with limited space.

2-wire capability


Requiring just a pair of wires, the simplified wiring reduces installation complexity and improves overall system efficiency, making SiPM an ideal choice for both new projects and system upgrades.

Whitepaper “Photomultipliers in Radiometry”

Our latest whitepaper, Photomultipliers in Radiometry, dives into the essential role of photomultiplier technology in precise radiometric measurements. This comprehensive guide covers the fundamental principles, advantages, and applications of both traditional photomultipliers and the advanced Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology, which delivers superior energy efficiency, durability, and measurement accuracy.

Key topics covered​

  • ​Principles of photomultiplier operation
    Understand the science behind photomultiplier function and why it is essential for reliable radiometric measurements.​
  • Advantages of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM)
    Explore how SiPM technology offers unparalleled benefits such as energy savings, durability, compact design, and resilience against external interference.​
  • Applications in industrial and scientific settings
    Real-world examples showcase the impact of photomultipliers in fields like radiometry, material science, and quality control.

Get your copy

SiPM technology

To preserve the energy information, SiPMs consist of an array of microcells, each containing an individual avalanche photodiode. These microcells are typically very small, often on the order of tens of micrometers, allowing for high-density packing of APDs on a single silicon substrate. The small size also minimizes the probability of simultaneous events on one microcell. To ensure the SiPM operates within a controlled range, a quenching resistor helps limit. This resistor helps limit the duration of the avalanche breakdown, preventing excessive charge buildup and ensuring a rapid reset of the microcell for subsequent photon detections. The microcell arrangement enables the SiPM to achieve high photon detection efficiency and excellent temporal resolution. The signals from each microcell are read out and processed individually. The high density of microcells allows SiPMs to provide excellent spatial resolution and sensitivity, making them particularly useful in applications demanding precise detection of low-intensity light signals. The signals from all the microcells are summed, providing a collective output that corresponds to the total photon flux incident on the SiPM. This summation process allows SiPMs to operate over a wide dynamic range, accommodating both low and high-intensity light conditions.

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Details

Detailed descriptions of our photomultiplier technologies

Photomultiplier technologies

Vaccum PMT

SiPM

Installation size (length)

5 – 20 cm0.5 – 1 mm
Power consumptionApprox. 12 WApprox. 30 mW

Stability

≤ 0.002 % per °C≤ 0.01 % per °C

Temperature dependency

Slightly dependentModerately dependent
Quantum efficiency**30 – 35 %30 – 50 %
AgingSeveral significant effects e.g. “yellowing”*No significant effects

*Yellowing of a vacuum photomultiplier tube

The photocathode spectral of a photomultiplier refers to the discoloration or degradation of the photocathode or other internal components of a photomultiplier tube (PMT), which can impair its performance. This phenomenon is usually caused by prolonged exposure to environmental factors or operational conditions that induce chemical or structural changes within the PMT. The main causes are: 

  • UV/Radiation Damage: Alters the glass or photocathode, reducing light transmission. 
  • Photocathode Degradation: Chemical or thermal stress changes its spectral sensitivity. 
  • Ion Bombardment: Internal ions damage the photocathode, causing defects. 
  • Contamination/Aging: Outgassed materials redeposit, worsening discoloration. 

While yellowing has a significant effect on radiometric measurement systems over time, we use our patented cosmic radiation compensation to avoid these effects. Berthold uses cosmic radiation from outer space as a fixed reference point to adjust the high voltage of detectors to stabilize detector sensitivity.

more about vacuum photomultiplier tubes

**Quantum efficiency

Quantum efficiency (QE) is a measure of how good a photodetector is at turning light into an electrical signal, it can be thought of as a “conversion score” or “counting success”. Quantum efficiency tells you how many photons manage to knock loose an electron. For example, if 100 photons hit the device and 80 electrons are released, the QE is 80%. 

SiPM technology used in various fields

SiPM technology has emerged as valuable component in the process industry, offering distinct advantages that make it particularly well-suited for the most challenging environments and applications. SiPMs boast a solid and compact construction, providing increased mechanical robustness. This attribute makes them highly suitable for demanding environments, such as the hydraulic fracturing industry, where equipment is subjected to strong vibrations. The durability of SiPMs allows them to withstand these physical stresses commonly encountered in this rugged industrial setting, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.
They also exhibit enhanced electromagnetic robustness, rendering them suitable for applications in the presence of strong electromagnetic fields. This characteristic is particularly valuable in industries like steel manufacturing, where electromagnetic brakes (EMBr) are employed during casting processes. SiPMs can operate seamlessly in such environments without being adversely affected and can therefore be employed to measure the level of fluid steel inside the mould.

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