Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are silicon-based solid state low level light sensors. They are basically an array of silicon avalanche photo diodes (APDs), each operated in Geiger-mode. This results in the SiPM’s advantages of high gain, low temperature dependency, easy operation and enhanced next generation sensor performance.
Broadcom Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are novel solid-state silicon detectors with single photon counting capability. SiPMs excel in many applications and feature high gain with very low temperature drift, extremely good timing performance at a low operating voltage. They are also insensitive to magnetic fields and stand out with their mechanical robustness. Broadcom provides cost-effective solutions from high volume applications to customized detector solutions.
SiPM Features:
- Single photon resolution
- High photon detection efficiency
- High gain and high signal to noise ratio
- Very compact devices
- Low bias voltage
- Insensitive to magnetic fields
- Superior time resolution
- Counting and CW measurements
- Simple calibration and monitoring
- Not damaged by daylight
- Low costs
SiPMs combine the benefits of vacuum PMTs (high photon detection efficiency, gain and signal-to-noise) with the benefits of APDs (robustness, miniaturized design, low operation voltage, cost-effective and magnetic insensitivity) to an outstanding low level light sensor with an exceptional performance at low cost. Broadcom’s fabless foundry business is offering cost-effective in-time production with scalability to nearly any imaginable customer demand.
For high volume LIDAR applications, Broadcom offers SiPMs with response in the RED region. These RED SiPMs offer:
- Very high dynamic range
- Extremely fast response
- High gain
- Very low breakdown voltage change with changes in temperature
WL SiPM Chips
| Part Number | Chip Size mm | Microcell Size μm | Microcell Number | Breakdown Voltage | Uniformity VBD | Photo Det. Efficiency | Dark Count Rate kHz/mm3 | Crosstalk Probability | Afterpulse Probability | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM3315-WL | 3 x 3 | 25 x 25 | 38400 | 28.75 - 30.25 | ± 125mV | 29% | 45 | 14% | 3% | 7 ns |
| PM3335-WL | 3 x 3 | 35 x 35 | 7396 | 28.75 - 30.25 | ± 125mV | 41% | 60 | 10% | 3% | 35 ns |
| PM3347-WL | 3 x 3 | 47 x 47 | 4096 | 28.75 - 30.25 | ± 125mV | 47% | 85 | 18% | 3% | 95 ns |
WB SiPM Chips
| Part Number | Active Area mm | Microcell Size μm | Microcell Number | Photo Det. Efficiency | Dark Count Rate kHz/mm3 | Crosstalk Probability | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM1125-WB-C0 | 1 x 1 | 25 x 25 | 1600 | 31 - 45% | 50 - 125 | 7 - 26% | 30 ns |
| PM3315-WB-C0 | 3 x 3 | 15 x 15 | 38800 | 22 - 31% | 50 - 125 | 8 - 18% | 13 - 47 ns |
| PM3325-WB-C0 | 3 x 3 | 25 x 25 | 13920 | 31 - 45% | 50 - 125 | 12 - 26% | 40 ns |
WL & WB SiPM Modules
| Part Number | Active Area mm | Microcell Size μm | Microcell Number | Photo Det. Efficiency | Dark Count Rate kHz/mm3 | Crosstalk Probability | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PE3315-WL-TIA-xP | 3 x 3 | 25 x 25 | 38400 | 29% | 45 | 14% | 7 ns |
| PE3315-WB-TIA-xP | 3 x 3 | 15 x 15 | 38800 | 31% | 125 | 5% | 15 ns |
WL & WB SiPM Arrays
| Part Number | Array Chip No. | Chip Size mm | Chip Pitch mm | Microcell Size μm | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA3315-WL-0808 | 8 x 8 (64) | 3 x 3 | 3.36 x 3.36 | 25 x 25 | See above |
| PA3335-WL-0808 | 8 x 8 (64) | 3 x 3 | 3.36 x 3.36 | 35 x 35 | See above |
| PA3347-WL-0808 | 8 x 8 (64) | 3 x 3 | 3.36 x 3.36 | 47 x 47 | See above |
| PA1125-WB-0808 | 8 x 8 (64) | 1 x 1 | 1.36 x 1.36 | 25 x 25 | See above |
| PA3325-WB-0404 | 4 x 4 | 3 x 3 | 3.36 x 3.36 | 25 x 25 | See above |
| PA3325-WB-0808 | 8 x 8 (64) | 3 x 3 | 3.36 x 3.36 | 25 x 25 | See above |
Applications: Overview
- Medical Imaging – Improved images and better diagnosis.
- Biophotonics & Life Science – Lower noise and superior images at reduced cost.
- High Energy & Astro Physics – Reliable performance in harsh environments.
- Lidar & 3D Ranging (Optical Measurement) – Extended range with single photon sensitivity.
- Hazard & Threat Detection (Homeland Security) – Compact, robust and reliable detection of radiation.
- Communications – Cryptography and Data Transmission.
- Sorting & Recycling – Fast and energy resolvent detectors for higher throughput.
- Positron Emission Tomography – Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanners have adapted the use of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPM) as photodetectors.
Technical Notes:
- SiPMs vs PMTs & APDs – How Silicon Photo Multipliers (SiPMs) compare to Photomultiplier Tubes (PMTs) and Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs)
- Working Principle of SiPM – How the SiPMs work.
- Device Parameters – Key parameters of SiPMs explained.
- Microcell Construction – The structure of the SiPMs.