Characterization of a Novel 100-Channel Silicon Photomultiplier—Part I: Noise

<para xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> In this paper, we present the results of the first noise characterization performed on our novel 100-channel silicon photomultiplier. We have improved our previous single-photon avalanche photodiode technology in order to set up a working device with outstanding features in terms of single-photon resolving power up to <formula formulatype="inline"><tex Notation="TeX">$R = \hbox{45}$</tex></formula>, timing resolution down to 100 ps, and photon-detection efficiency of 14% at 420 nm. Tests were performed, and features were measured, as a function of the bias voltage and of the incident photon flux. A dedicated data-analysis procedure was developed that allows one to extract at once the relevant parameters and quantify the noise. </para>