PDE SiPM Calculator

What Is Photon Detection Efficiency?

Photon detection efficiency (PDE) measures how often a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) converts an incident photon into a measurable electrical signal. It depends on wavelength, device gain, responsivity, and internal effects like crosstalk and afterpulsing.

PDE Formula for SiPM

$$\text{PDE} = \frac{R \, h \, c}{e \, \lambda \, G \, (1 + P_{XT})(1 + P_{AP})}$$

$R$ is responsivity in A/W, $\lambda$ is wavelength in meters, $G$ is internal gain, $P_{XT}$ is crosstalk probability, and $P_{AP}$ is afterpulsing probability. Constants $h$, $c$, and $e$ are Planck's constant, speed of light, and elementary charge.

Crosstalk and Afterpulsing

Crosstalk happens when one detected photon triggers extra signals that look like additional photons. Afterpulsing occurs when trapped carriers are released later and fire another pulse. Both reduce the effective detection efficiency and must be corrected in the formula.

Related tools: Photon Energy Calculator and Exposure Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SiPM gain?

Gain is the number of charge carriers produced per detected photon. SiPM devices often have gains from $10^5$ to $10^7$.

How do I enter crosstalk and afterpulsing?

Enter each as a percentage. A 20% crosstalk probability means one in five detected events may produce an extra signal.

What units does responsivity use?

Responsivity is in amperes per watt (A/W). It describes photocurrent produced per unit of optical power.

Does wavelength affect PDE?

Yes. PDE varies with wavelength because silicon absorption and quantum efficiency change across the visible and near-UV spectrum.

Where are SiPMs used?

SiPMs appear in PET scanners, LIDAR, particle physics detectors, and low-light imaging where single-photon sensitivity matters.

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What Is Photon Detection Efficiency?

PDE Formula for SiPM

Crosstalk and Afterpulsing

Frequently Asked Questions

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