Study of Performances and Characterization of SiPMs (Hamamatsu S13161-3050AE-08) for the Next Generation of Telescopes in Balloon-Borne and Space-Based Experiments

Silicon PhotoMultipliers (SiPMs), constitute the enabling technology for a diverse and rapidly growing range of applications in experimental physics. The development of detectors based on silicon photosensors for acquisition of fast signals coming from Cherenkov and fluorescence emissions started by particle showers in the atmosphere, is the main goal of the current ASI/INFN Agreement, named ASI/INFN_EUSO-SPB2 (Extreme Universe Space Observatory - Super Pressure Balloon 2), addressed to the next generation of telescopes in balloon-borne and space-based experiments. In such framework, a survey of performances of different SiPMs available on the market has been performed to identify the best sensors for space applications, where high thermal excursions and environmental radiation must be mainly taken into account with respect to ground-based experiments. In the present contribution, a characterization protocol for SiPM qualification has been applied to the (8x8) Hamamatsu S13161-3050AE-08 SiPM array in the (-40, +30)°C temperature range. The protocol is adopted for validating several key parameters: breakdown voltage, quenching resistance, gain, dark count rate and probability of cross-talk. Experimental methods and instrumental set-ups implemented for measuring them and their dependence on temperature are shown and some results are discussed