Very large SiPM arrays with aggregated output

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>In this work we will document the design and the performances of a SiPM-based photo-detector with a surface area of 100 cm<jats:sup>2</jats:sup> conceived to operate as a replacement for PMTs. The signals from 94 SiPMs are summed up to produce an aggregated output that exhibits in liquid nitrogen a dark count rate (DCR) lower than 100 cps over the entire surface, a signal to noise ratio better than 13, and a timing resolution better than 5.5 ns. The module feeds about 360 mW at 5 V with a dynamic range in excess of 500 photo-electrons on a 100 Ω differential line. The unit can also operate at room temperature, at the cost of an increase of DCR to 10<jats:sup>8</jats:sup> cps.</jats:p>