Development of Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC)

MPPC is a novel solid-state photon counting device, which composed of Geiger-mode APD and quenching resistor. We released three kinds of pixel number of MPPC, which have 1600, 400 and 100 pixels. The basic characteristics are promising as a photon counting purpose, but existence of after-pulse and cross-talk are realized in these days [1]. We did rough measurement for these parameters. The recovery time of MPPC is determined by the value of quenching resistance and pixel capacitance. We irradiated the MPPC with high rate light pulse using by picosecond light pulser, and confirmed that the MPPC can output full height pulse after pulse length. We developed the enhanced active area type, array type and new package type MPPCs. The 3 × 3 mm type MPPC (3600pixels) achieved 13% of energy resolution (FWHM).