Performance evaluation of SiPM detectors for PET imaging in the presence of magnetic fields

The multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) or silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM), recently introduced as a solid-state photodetector, consists of an array of Geiger-mode photodiodes (microcells). It is a promising device for PET thanks to its potential for high photon detection efficiency (PDE) and immunity to high magnetic fields. It is also very easy to use, with simple electronic read-out, high gain and small size. In this work we evaluate the performance of three 1 × 1 mm² and one 6 × 6 mm² (2 × 2 array) SiPMs offered by Hamamatsu for their use in PET. We examine the dependence of the energy resolution and the gain of these devices on the thermal and reverse bias when coupled to LYSO scintillator crystals. We find that the 400 and 1600 microcells models and the 2 × 2 array are suitable for small size crystals, like those employed in high resolution small animal scanners. The good performance of these devices up to 7 Tesla has also been confirmed.