Readout of a LaBr3:Ce continuous crystal by a MPPC array: First results

In this work preliminary results of single-photon measurements made with a LaBr3:Ce continuous scintillation crystal (BrilLanCe 380™, by Saint-Gobain Crystals, FR) coupled to an array of Multi-Pixel Photon Counters (MPPC™, by Hamamatsu Photonics, JP) are presented. The array of 7 MPPCs was realized as the innermost element of the hexagonal Anger-like structure suitable for growing to larger areas by adding peripheral elements. The design of MPPC electronic readout for position determination was based on Anger logic. Wide-band amplifiers (by MITEQ®, US) were used for signals conditioning. Digitized traces of background, 57Co and 133Ba collimated irradiation were captured, characterized and stored by using the data-logging capabilities of a WaveMaster Oscilloscope (by LeCroy, US). Results are presented in terms of energy response, position sensing and signals fall and rise times.