Timing results using an FPGA-based TDC with large arrays of 144 SiPMs

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) have become an alternative to traditional tubes due to several features. However, their implementation to form large arrays is still a challenge especially due to their relatively high intrinsic noise, depending on the chosen readout. In this contribution, two modules composed of SiPMs with an area of roughly mm mm are used in coincidence. Coincidence resolving time (CRT) results with a field-programmable gate array, in combination with a time to digital converter, are shown as a function of both the sensor bias voltage and the digitizer threshold. The dependence of the CRT on the sensor matrix temperature, the amount of SiPM active area and the crystal type is also analyzed. Measurements carried out with a crystal array of 2 mm pixel size and 10 mm height have shown time resolutions for the entire 288 SiPM two-detector set-up as good as 800 ps full width at half maximum (FWHM).This work was supported in part by the University of Valencia and the Institute for Instrumentation and Molecular Imaging.Aguilar, A.; González Martínez, AJ.; Torres, J.; García Olcina, R.; Martos, J.; Soret, J.; Conde Castellanos, PE.... (2015). Timing results using an FPGA-based TDC with large arrays of 144 SiPMs. IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science. 62(1):12-18. doi:10.1109/TNS.2014.2359078121862