Silicon photomultiplier properties at cryogenic temperatures

The properties of different types of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) were studied at cryogenic temperatures. In liquid nitrogen at 77 K, problems with quenching in Hamamatsu SiPMs and with the protective epoxy layer, covering Zecotek SiPMs, were observed. Tests with one Zecotek SiPM were successful after removal of the epoxy layer. In liquid helium at 4 K, fast signals with pulse lengths shorter than 50 ns were observed, the dark count rate was below 10 Hz and no after-pulses were detected. The gain, as a function of over-voltage, was comparable to room temperature. The SiPM׳s response to photons was found to be linear with intensity for low light levels and single-photon detection was possible at 4 K.