Probabilistic distribution and noise factor of solid state photomultiplier signals, taking into account cross-talk processes

摘要

Solid-state photomultipliers (SSPMs) are a new type of photodetectors based on avalanche breakdown of the semiconductor in the Geiger mode, limited by negative feedback. Under such conditions, the avalanche breakdown is characterized by high multiplication factors, 10(4)-10(6), and low noise, which allows detection of single photons. However, in practice, each primary breakdown in the SSPM can be accompanied by secondary breakdowns due to cross-talk processes which change the probabilistic distribution of the signal and introduce excess noise. In this paper, the effect of cross-talk on signal and noise characteristics of SSPMs is considered based on the generalized Poisson distribution.