In the realm of energy and particle physics research, a team of scientists from the Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has been working on enhancing the calibration methods for Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) used in the Taishan Antineutrino Observatory (TAO), a satellite observatory for the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). Their recent research focuses on improving the precision of measurements taken by these advanced photodetectors, which are crucial for understanding reactor antineutrino energy spectra.
The Taishan Antineutrino Observatory is strategically located near the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant, providing an ideal setting for studying antineutrinos produced by the reactor. The observatory aims to achieve an unprecedented energy resolution of better than 2% at 1 MeV using state-of-the-art SiPMs operated at low temperatures. To reach this goal, the researchers have developed sophisticated calibration methods for various parameters of the SiPMs, including dark count rate (DCR), relative photon detection efficiency (PDE), time offset, gain, and internal optical crosstalk (IOCT). These methods leverage the charge and time information of the collected events to ensure accurate measurements.
One of the novel contributions of this research is the development of a new method for calibrating external optical crosstalk (EOCT). EOCT occurs when photons emitted by one SiPM are detected by another, potentially leading to measurement errors. The researchers proposed a technique involving the use of an LED placed within the detector. By switching on and off different groups of SiPMs, they can accurately measure the rate and emission angle distribution of EOCT photons. This method significantly reduces the bias in these measurements, with the emission angle distribution of EOCT photons being measured with a bias of less than 4% in the main angular range.
The practical applications of this research for the energy sector are substantial. Accurate calibration of SiPMs is essential for precise measurements of reactor antineutrino energy spectra, which can provide valuable insights into nuclear reactions and improve our understanding of nuclear power generation. Additionally, the enhanced calibration methods developed by the researchers can be applied to other areas of high-energy physics and medical imaging, where SiPMs are increasingly being used.
The research was published in the Journal of Instrumentation, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the development and application of advanced instrumentation in scientific research. The findings represent a significant step forward in the calibration of SiPMs, paving the way for more accurate and reliable measurements in the field of particle physics and beyond.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.