Simulation and characterization of different setups for gamma ray detection using SiPMs and LYSO scintillators

Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) coupled to fast bright scintillators, like cerium doped silicate based crystals, allow the construction of compact gamma ray detectors. In this paper we discuss simulation results obtained from Monte Carlo ray tracing tools applied to SiPM and LYSO systems. We address the importance of three key factors in light propagation: the scintillator wrapping, the coupling medium, and the detector coating. We also propose a simple experiment to verify some of the findings related to the investigation of diffusive wrappings.