Into the photon detectoŕs tool kit

A new solid-state technology, called silicon photomultiplier, has been developed, matching the performance of photomultiplier tubes. Amplification Technologies has introduced the existing design, called DAPD or discrete amplification photon detector that consists of specially designed discrete amplification elements. These include a multichannel threshold avalanche amplifier and a reader for the amplified charge packets. The design allows trade-off among various parameters to optimize a device for a specific application. The detectors perform analog detection of short pulses down to single-photon levels over a wide spectral range. Fast response time of a photodetector is significant for many applications, including those involving measurements within a narrow time gate. Discrete-amplification also technology provides very fast response and high gain-bandwidth product as needed for high-speed detection of low-level signals.