Silicon Photomultiplier Readout Electronics for Imaging Calorimetry Applications

Experiments at future linear collider experiments will allow to reach an unprecedented measurement resolution for standard model processes and the search for new physics. In order to exploit the full potential of the clean initial state in the electron-positron colli- sions, a jet energy resolution of 3-4% is required, which is not achievable with classical calorimetry approaches. The detectors will be optimized for the use of particle flow algo- rithms to achieve the required energy resolution, resulting in the need of highly granular (imaging) and compact calorimetry systems. This work covers the development of specialized readout electronics for scintillator-based calorimeters read out by Silicon Photomultipliers. The readout electronics are required to provide a precise charge measurement capability over a large dynamic range, be fully integrated and self triggered. In order to allow a calibration of the calorimeters, the readout electronics must be capable of measuring the detector gain from the response to signals at the level of few photons. Noise contributions affecting the resolution for the gain calibration are discussed and used for the circuit optimization. Due to the high channel density, the power consumption of the front-end electronics is extremely limited, requiring to implement power pulsing techniques to minimize the power consumption