Characterisation of low radioactivity SiPMs and sensitivity studies for future LAr direct dark matter detection experiments

Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) technology has advanced in recent years with better photon detection efficiency, low power consumption, single-photon sensitivity, compactness, robustness, high precision position, and time resolution. The recent advancement has shown SIPMs as an alternative to the traditionally used photomultiplier tube in detecting scintillation light in noble gas detectors.

To fully benefit from the excellent performance of SiPM technology, it is necessary to understand and simulate the features concerned with their operation.

This project aims to characterise the performance of cutting-edge silicon photosensors produced for the DarkSide-20k direct dark matter detection experiment through study of features such as the dark count rate, cross talk, after pulsing, gain, time resolution, Sound to noise ratio (SNR), and breakdown voltage. The performance characteristics of the sensors measured in Manchester will be used to inform an updated simulation of the response of the DarkSide detector to dark matter interactions and inform data analysis optimisation and estimates of the ultimate dark matter sensitivity of the experiment when data-taking begins.

These studies will also be used to inform R&D toward the design of future quantum sensors for future experiments requiring the use of high efficiency low radioactivity large-area photosensor arrays operating with photon signals in the vacuum ultraviolet range.