Test of scintillator readout with single photon avalanche photodiodes

We outline the possible applications of newly developed single photon avalanche detectors (SPAD) operating at low voltage and fabricated in silicon planar technology, reporting on tests done with scintillators. We envisage the integration of large arrays of identical sensors, employing a common read-out mode in order to achieve a high resolution and high sensitivity solid state photomultiplier. The applications of such a device would be many, particularly if we consider that we are also working on the production of micro-optical components, perfectly suited for the lossless coupling of these photosensors to several light sources (lasers, ordinary and scintillating fibres, scintillators, optical devices), by exploiting the promising DLI technology (deep lithography with ions). Crossed time-of-flight and amplitude measurements between SPADs and usual photomultipliers, coupled to scintillators, have allowed to compare their relative performance. Specific issues regarding the SPAD and the scintillating fibre readout are presented, also in view of possible applications in the field of particle/radiation tracking systems.