Hammamatsu

SiPM Module

February 24, 2021 — updated June 20, 2025

Specifications

3dB BandwidthFrom DC–200 kHz to DC–300 MHz
Rise Time4ns (highest bandwidth configuration)
Gain Control MethodGain settable by serial or analog voltage. Analog voltage control profile mimics behaviour of similar PMT modules.
Detector TypeHammamatsu S13361/S13362 series or On Semi MicroFC series SiPm
CouplingDC
Output Impedance50 Ω
Dynamic RangeAll configurations support analog and photon counting
Power Requirements+5V 100mA, -5V 10mA
Signal OutputSMA
ApplicationsFlow cytometry, Microplate readers, TOF Lidar

In the last year or two we’ve been doing a lot of work aimed at replacing photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) in instruments, using avalanche photodiodes (APDs) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs).  These devices are arrays of single-photon detectors, so they’re also known as multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs).  Our main application areas include biomedical instruments such as flow cytometers and microplate readers, which have to measure low light levels very precisely but don’t need the ultralow dark current of PMTs. (Follow-on articles will talk about our SiPM work in airborne lidar and SEM cathodoluminescence, as well as on improving the performance of actual PMTs.)

Silicon Photomultiplier Module Design

January 25, 2021 — updated August 5, 2022

Internal Developments

In the last year or two we’ve been doing a lot of work aimed at replacing photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) in instruments, using avalanche photodiodes (APDs) and silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs).  These devices are arrays of single-photon detectors, so they’re also known as multi-pixel photon counters (MPPCs).  Our main application areas include biomedical instruments such as flow cytometers and microplate readers, which have to measure low light levels very precisely but don’t need the ultralow dark current of PMTs. (Follow-on articles will talk about our SiPM work in airborne lidar and SEM cathodoluminescence, as well as on improving the performance of actual PMTs.)