Light-Detection Technology Promises Highly Accurate Photon Counting

Scientists at Royal Philips Electronics have developed what they’re calling a highly innovative digital silicon photomultiplier technology that will allow faster and more accurate photon counting across a wide range of applications where measurement of ultra-low light levels is necessary. Target markets include medical imaging, in-vitro diagnostic tests such as DNA sequencing and protein/DNA microarrays, high-energy physics, and night-vision systems. Reportedly, the unique digital silicon photomultiplier technology should enable the production of smaller and lighter battery-powered equipment. Performance characteristics, i.e., speed and dark-count level, of a prototype detector will be presented at the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, taking place on October 25 to 31 in Orlando, Florida. For more information, visit http://www.research.philips.com.