SILICON PHOTOMULTIPLIER TESTING FOR THE CLASS 12 HODOSCOPE AND G-2 CALORIMETER DETECTORS

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have recently become the new standard for photon detection in high energy particle physics experiments. These devices are more efficient than conventional photomultipliers (PMTs) due to their mode of operation: an array of geiger mode avalanching photodiodes (GM-APD). The unique operation of these diodes overcomes many of the problems that plagued conventional PMTs such as a fragile and expensive design,a sensitivity to magnetic fields, and a high bias voltage required for operation. Our work with these devices is instrumental for two NSF funded experiment detectors: the forward tagger hodoscope for the CLAS12 detector at Jefferson Lab and the G-2 calorimeter at Fermi Lab. SiPMs were tested using several methods. These methods include using scintillators with wavelength shifting fibers for readout with both cosmic ray events and pulsed laser events, a dark response readout, and a voltage variation readout. These tests were critical for the design of a stable high voltage system for the G-2 calorimeters and for performance evaluation of the CLAS12 Forward Tagger hodoscope. We will present a brief description of SiPM operation and the results of our tests.

Additional Abstract Information

Student(s): Edwin L. Dunnavan

Department: Physics and Astronomy

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kevin Giovanetti

Type: Oral

Year: 2014