Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) are semiconductor components for the highly sensitive detection of light. SiPMs consist of an (not individually addressable) array of miniaturized single photon avalanche diodes (SPAD). Even individual photons can be detected – as known from photomultiplier tubes. The size, operating conditions and costs largely correspond to simple photodiodes.

Broadcom Si photomultipliers enable the construction of inexpensive and compact devices. The smallest amounts of light can be measured using simple readout electronics, since there is already an intrinsic amplification of 10e6. With an operating voltage of approx. 30…50 V, a cost-effective and simple system design is possible even in potentially explosive areas.

For radiation detection technology, we recommend the components of the NUV-MT series, which are optimized for the blue and visible spectral range. The NIR series is characterized by a high photon detection efficiency (PDE) in the red and near infrared and therefore it is ideally suited for lidar applications.