The development of SiGHT: an ultra low background photosensor

Abstract

The Silicon Geiger Hybrid Tube (SiGHT) is a novel photosensor designed for future generations of rare event search experiments using noble liquids. The main idea is to replace conventional multi-dynode photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with a hybrid technology, consisting of a low temperature sensitive bialkali photocathode for conversion of photons into photoelectrons and a low dark count silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) for photoelectron signal amplification. SiGHT can achieve ultra low internal radioactivity, high quantum efficiency and stable performance at low temperatures, which are required features for rare event searches such as direct dark matter detection and neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. The first SiGHT prototype fabrication is in progress at UCLA. The current status of the development is presented.