High-Performance and Cost-Effective Detector Using Microcolumnar CsI:Tl and SiPM

We are developing a technique to fabricate high spatial resolution and cost-effective photon counting detectors using silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) and microcolumnar structured scintillator. Photon counting detectors using SiPMs are of much interest to the gamma- and X-ray detector community, but they have limitations at low energy due to their dark noise. In this paper, we report on vapor deposition of CsI:Tl directly onto a SiPM, a technique that improves optical coupling and allows for detection of low energy gamma- and X-rays. It simultaneously addresses related issues of light loss and light spread in the scintillator, thereby improving the performance of the detector. Devices made by this technique may be used for both photon counting and gamma- and X-ray imaging.