Silicon photomultiplier imaging system and method for cooling the same
AssigneeTemple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
InventorsC. J. Martoff, Donald Jones, Andrew Ponento
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Abstract
A light detection and measurement device comprises a silicon photomultiplier, at least one thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the silicon photomultiplier, a sealed enclosure surrounding the silicon photomultiplier and the at least one thermoelectric cooler, the enclosure including a substantially transparent window thermally coupled to the silicon photomultiplier, and a heat sinking device thermally coupled to the enclosure configured to remove waste heat. A method of cooling a silicon photomultiplier is also described.
Claims17
A light detection and measurement device, comprising:
- a silicon photomultiplier;
- at least one thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the silicon photomultiplier;
- a sealed enclosure surrounding the silicon photomultiplier and the at least one thermoelectric cooler, the enclosure including a substantially transparent window thermally coupled to the silicon photomultiplier;
- and
- a heat sinking device thermally coupled to the enclosure configured to remove waste heat;
- wherein the heat sinking device comprises a water-cooled heat sink.
A light detection and measurement device, comprising:
- a silicon photomultiplier,
- at least one thermoelectric cooler thermally coupled to the silicon photomultiplier,
- a sealed enclosure surrounding the silicon photomultiplier and the at least one thermoelectric cooler, the enclosure including a substantially transparent window thermally coupled to the silicon photomultiplier, and
- a heat sinking device thermally coupled to the enclosure configured to remove waste heat;
- wherein the sealed enclosure is positioned in an outer enclosure,
- wherein the outer enclosure is filled with a dry gas.
A method for cooling a silicon photomultiplier, comprising:
- providing a silicon photomultiplier and at least one thermoelectric cooler;
- cooling the silicon photomultiplier by energizing the thermoelectric cooler;
- removing waste heat from the thermoelectric cooler with a heat sinking device;
- and
- comprising enclosing the silicon photomultiplier and the at least one thermoelectric cooler in a sealed chamber filled with a dry gas.
A method for cooling a silicon photomultiplier, comprising:
- providing a silicon photomultiplier and at least one thermoelectric cooler;
- cooling the silicon photomultiplier by energizing the thermoelectric cooler;
- removing waste heat from the thermoelectric cooler with a heat sinking device;
- and
- cooling the silicon photomultiplier to a temperature less than −15° C.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.