Improving the energy resolution while mitigating the effects of dark-noise, for a microcontroller based SiPM sensor

We propose a novel design to improve the energy resolution while mitigating the SiPM dark-noise effect of an original SiPM based smart sensor [1]. This improvement then allows the sensor to be used in general purpose particle detector design. It is a low-power, scalable design, suitable for low-cost, self-contained devices, making it attractive for use in various industrial sectors such as mining and infrastructure, as well as, research laboratories. An innovative solution has been realised through the use of an external Track/Hold (T/H) circuit, while leveraging the on-board microcontroller (μC) and signal-conditioning circuit of the existing SiPM smart sensor system. A low sampling/conversion rate analog to digital converter (ADC) minimises the complexity of the design.