
SensL © 2014 4
USER MANUAL
C-Series Low Noise, Fast, Blue-Sensitive Silicon Photomultipliers
SensL © 2014 4
Recommended Fast Mode Biasing
The fast output is referenced to the cathode (substrate) of the SiPM. Therefore
the use of a negative bias voltage applied to the anode with cathode at 0V is
recommended, as in Figure 3. The fast mode signal polarity is positive. (If an
application requires the use of a positive bias, refer to the advice in Appendix A.)
Please refer to the C-Series datasheet for the operating over-voltage range.
The observed signals will be very fast, with rise-times ranging from 300ps to 1ns
and pulse widths of 600ps - 3ns (depending on sensor size). A typical output
pulse for a 3mm sensor (MicroFC-30035) is shown in Figure 4.
For all application circuits shown in this User Manual, it is recommended that a
bias voltage lter, such as the one shown in Figure 5, is used.
Alternative biasing schemes are discussed in Appendix A.
Figure 3, Recommended biasing
Biasing and Readout
Recommended Fast Mode Readout
Due to the extreme speed of the signals from the fast output,
care should be taken in the routing of the signal. Common
microwave/RF design rules, such as controlled impedance
microstrip lines, should be used. The capacitance of the fast
output electrode is much lower (of the order of 2-3pF for a
1mm device) than in a standard conguration. The lower
output capacitance does not typically allow the use of a
transimpedance amplier, and instead one can use an RF
style (50Wimpedance) solution including direct connection
to a coaxial cable. The 3mm and 6mm devices have higher
capacitance, so for best operation when connecting to an
oscilloscope or driving long wires, it is recommended that
the fast output be connected to an RF transformer such
as the RFXF9503 as in Figure 7. This provides impedance
matching, to improve amplitude and timing characteristics
of the pulse for 50W impedance. For 1mm devices the
capacitance is low enough to allow direct 50W connection as in Figure 6.
Another feature of the fast output electrode is that it is AC-coupled, with no DC component. However, if needed, one
can combine it with the standard output (see the next section) of the SiPM to incorporate DC information.
Fast Output Amplication
It is important to note that the signal charge injected into the fast output electrode is typically about 2% of the SiPM
charge generated during the avalanche. However, the pulse duration is approximately 100 times shorter, so the
current amplitude observed is about 0.02*100 = 2 times higher. This high current amplitude, in combination with the
signicantly lower output capacitance, make the device suitable for photon counting at very high speed (tens of MHz
and higher has been demonstrated in the lab).
For amplication of the fast signal it is recommended that a low noise 50W RF amplier be used. As with standard
readout, the level of gain required is dependent on the application. For applications with high photon counts it is
recommended that the Mini-Circuits ZX60-43S+ be used. For photon counting applications it is recommended
that the Mini-Circuits ZFL-1000LN+ be used. For PET applications it is possible to obtain both timing and energy
resolution information from the fast output, with the anode and cathode only used for biasing.
Figure 4, Fast mode output (red) of a MicroFB-SMA-30035
when illuminated with a 40ps laser pulse (Photek LPG-
405). ~2.5% of microcells are red in this pulse. Also
shown is part of the standard output pulse, which is shown
in full in Figure 9. Scope input = 50W.
Fast Mode Biasing and Readout of MicroFC Sensors