Hamamatsu Photonics has expanded its range of semiconductor detectors featuring photon detection capability with the S10362-33(X) series multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC).

The device uses a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode structure for ultra-low-level light detection, and the active area has been increased almost ten times from 1 mm² to 9mm².

The MPPC is connected to an external circuit for simple operation and is operated from a low voltage power supply (typically 70V).

Likely applications will include high-energy physics, fluorescence measurement, medical diagnostic equipment and environmental analysis. 

The S10362-33(X) series, with its active area of 3 mm x 3 mm, is available in three pixel counts (900, 3600, or 14400 pixels). Each pixel contains a quenching resistor so that simultaneous photon events can be counted separately and with a high degree of accuracy.

The devices feature typical gain values from 250,000 to several million, depending on the specific pixel number. They also feature high photon detection efficiency to UV and blue light, with peak sensitivity at 400nm.

More information: www.hamamatsu.co.uk