Silicon photomultipliers detectors for next generation high-energy space telescopes

K. Lacombe; J. Knödlseder; S. Delaigue; T. Gimenez; B. Houret; V. Mourey; P. Ramon; C. Virmontois

doi:10.1117/12.2238113

30 September 2016 Silicon photomultipliers detectors for next generation high-energy space telescopes

K. Lacombe, J. Knödlseder, S. Delaigue, T. Gimenez, B. Houret, V. Mourey, P. Ramon, C. Virmontois

Proceedings Volume 9968, Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XVIII; 99681F (2016) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2238113
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2016, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Photon detection is a central element of any high-energy astronomy instrumentation. One classical setup that has proven successful in many missions is the combination of photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with scintillators, converting incoming high-energy photons into visible light, which in turn is converted in an electrical impulse. Although being extremely sensitive and rapid, PMTs have the drawback of being bulky, fragile, and require a high-voltage power supply of up to several thousand volts. Recent technological advances in the development of silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) make them a promising alternative to PMTs in essentially all their applications. We have started a RD program to assess the possibility of using SiPMs for space-based applications in the domain of high-energy astronomy. We will present results of our characterization studies of SiPMs from 3 manufacturers. Each SiPM detector has been tested inside a dedicated vacuum chamber and at low temperature to assess its performance in a representative space environment. Irradiation tests are scheduled to understand the susceptibility of SiPM to radiation damage. After comparison, we will select a baseline detector and design a specific front-end electronics and mechanical system. Furthermore, we plan to develop a low noise voltage power supply that ensures the stability of the SiPMs and to study their coupling to scintillators. Finally, our ultimate goal is to qualify the system for a space Technical Readiness Level of 5.

Citation Download Citation

K. Lacombe, J. Knödlseder, S. Delaigue, T. Gimenez, B. Houret, V. Mourey, P. Ramon, and C. Virmontois "Silicon photomultipliers detectors for next generation high-energy space telescopes", Proc. SPIE 9968, Hard X-Ray, Gamma-Ray, and Neutron Detector Physics XVIII, 99681F (30 September 2016); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2238113

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
8 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Sensors

Electronics

Temperature metrology

Power supplies

Space telescopes

Manufacturing

Scintillators

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years