Research and development of a pioneering system for single-photon detection: the VSiPMT

The VSiPMT (Vacuum Silicon PhotoMultiplier Tube) is an innovative design for a revolutionary hybrid photodetector. The idea, born with the purpose to use a SiPM for large detection volumes, consists in replacing the classical dynode chain of a PMT with a special SiPM for electron detection. In this configuration, we match the large sensitive area of a photocathode with the performances of the SiPM technology, which therefore acts like an electron detector and so like a current amplifier. The excellent photon counting capability, fast response, low power consumption and great stability are among the most attractive features of the VSiPMT. In order to realize such a device first of all the feasibility of this detector has been studied both from theoretical and experimental point of view, by implementing a Geant4-based simulation and studying the response of a special non-windowed MPPC by Hamamatsu with an electron beam. Thanks to this result Hamamatsu realized two VSiPMT industrial prototypes with a photocathode of 3mm diameter. In this thesis are presented the results of a full characterization of the VSiPMT industrial prototypes with their pro and contra. The results obtained pushed for the realization of a larger and usable VSiPMT prototype. Here is also reported the preliminary study to optimize the focusing and the experimental study to realize a good semitransparent photocathode. A final report of the measurement on the assembled prototype is presented. At the conclusion of this work, recent developments and further improvements are presented.