Hamamatsu Photonics introduce the new multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC), the S10362-11 series. The device features brand new technology utilising a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode structure for ultra-low-level light detection. The MPPC is easily connected to an external circuit for simple operation and it is supplied in a compact 5mm package.
The S10362-11 series is ideal for a variety of applications, including positron emission tomography, high-energy physics, DNA sequencing, fluorescence measurement, nuclear medicine, point of care systems, drug discovery, medical diagnostic equipment and environmental analysis.
The S10362-11 series has an active area of 1 x 1mm, and is available in three pixel counts (100, 400, or 1600 pixels). Each pixel contains a quenching circuit 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. The detectors also feature high photon detection efficiency to UV and blue light, with peak sensitivity at 400nm. Unlike traditional Photomultiplier Tubes the MPPC can be operated at low voltage (less than 90 Volts) and they are insensitive to magnetic fields.
Hamamatsu also supplies a compact MPPC module, the C10507-11 series. The modules consist of an MPPC device (1600 or 400 pixels), current-to-voltage converter circuit, high-voltage power supply circuit, high-speed comparator circuit, counter circuit, and microprocessor. The threshold level for photon detection can be adjusted on a PC, which connects to the module via USB interface.