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Silicon Photomultiplier-A High Dynamic Range, High Sensitivity Sensor for Bio-Photonics Applications
Rachel Georgel1, Konstantin Grygoryev2, Simon Sorensen2
1Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland (MCCI), Tyndall National Institute, T12 R5CP Cork, Ireland.
Biosensors
|October 27, 2022
Summary
Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) offer high sensitivity for bio-photonic applications like auto-fluorescence detection. Optimized SiPMs provide a wide dynamic range at low optical powers, enhancing clinical research for tumor margin detection.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Applications
Background:
- Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are advanced photodetectors.
- PIN diodes and avalanche photodetectors (APDs) are commonly used alternatives.
- Bio-photonic and clinical applications require sensitive and reliable photodetectors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of SiPMs.
- To define the importance of SiPMs in bio-photonic and clinical applications.
- To benchmark SiPMs against PIN diodes and APDs.
Main Methods:
- Benchmarking SiPMs against PIN diodes and APDs.
- Comparison based on key circuit design parameters.
- Analysis of sensitivity for auto-fluorescence (AF) detection.
- Evaluation of dynamic range at low optical powers.
Main Results:
- SiPMs demonstrate considerable sensitivity for AF detection.
- SiPMs offer a wide dynamic range from ~1 pW to ~4 μW.
- SiPMs operate at a manageable bias voltage (~25 V to ~30 V DC).
- Optimized SiPMs show potential for intraoperative tumor margin detection.
Conclusions:
- SiPMs are crucial for advancing bio-photonic research.
- Optimized SiPMs can significantly enhance AF detection in clinical settings.
- SiPMs present a viable alternative to traditional photodetectors for specific applications.
