SPAD Array Detectors for Astrophysical Applications.

Astrophysical studies require more and more accurate, sensitive and fast detectors to detect faint sources with high variability. Since the ST-Microelectronics of Catania has been working on the development silicon devices and monolithic arrays called SPAD (Single Photon Avalanche Diode). These detectors are very innovative and have caracteristics that will offer interesting opportunities in astrophysics and in other science field. We describe the state of the art of the devices, the present limitations, the solutions and the potentialities of these arrays in adaptive optics and for the detection in the visible of astrophysical fast transient phenomena. We, moreover, describe the adopted solutions for the mechanical housing, the detection and control electronics, and report on the relevant electrooptical characteristics of these detectors.