SensL has introduced the SL family of silicon photomultipliers (SPMs). The second-generation SL family of low light detectors features the highest signal-to-noise ratio of any SPM, 4x higher than previous generation SensL products. It also features output uniformity of ±10 per cent. In comparison, photomultiplier tubes have ±33 per cent output uniformity. SL detectors require only 30V for operation, which is less than half of any other SPM on the market today. The high uniformity of the SL products and low operating voltage greatly reduce the system complexity and cost. Select versions of the SL product family are also offered with better than 1 per cent breakdown voltage uniformity.
SensL is producing the new SL SPMs in a standard CMOS process, providing very competitive volume pricing to enable new applications in medical imaging, hazard and threat detection, biophotonics and LIDAR.
The new line of products consists of the following SPM devices in a variety of industry standard packaging options, all built around the SL silicon: MicroSL - 1mm and 3mm detectors with different photo sensitive active areas optimised for dynamic range and detection efficiency; and ArraySL - 13.4mm square and 46mm square detectors for large area PMT replacement.
The MicroSL detectors are ideal for coupling to scintillator crystals to detect photons generated by the various forms of radiation used in medical imaging, hazard and threat detection and high-energy physics. MicroSL detectors will also be used in lidar and biophotonics instruments such as flow cytometers. The signal-to-noise ratio is better than vacuum tube solutions improving the capabilities of existing instruments and driving the development of new solutions. MicroSL detectors are available in a number of industry standard packages and some parts include an integrated Peltier cooler capable of reducing the detector temperature to -20º C, further reducing the noise of the SensL SL silicon.
The ArraySL family is designed for large area PMT replacement in applications where a linear or 2D array is required. The non-magnetic packaging and small edge clearances are ideal for building larger arrays for use in the high magnetic field environment of PET/MRI scanners, which are used to monitor the vital processes of human and animal bodies or body parts.