SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator

The SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator quickly estimates the PDE of a silicon photomultiplier using the three dominant terms: quantum efficiency (QE), avalanche trigger probability (Ptrigger) and geometric fill factor.

How to Use SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator

Choose the input format — percent values (e.g. 40%) or decimals (0–1).
Enter QE, Ptrigger and Fill Factor — three required terms that multiply together.
Optionally enter Vbias and Vbreakdown — the SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator will compute the overvoltage Vov for reference.
Read the PDE result — both percent and decimal forms are shown, along with each factor’s contribution.

Formula & Theory — SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator

PDE = QE × Ptrigger × FillFactor
Vov = Vbias − Vbreakdown

Use Cases for SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator

Particle physics detectors — estimate light yield in scintillator readout chains.
LiDAR & ToF design — compare candidate SiPM models for photon counting front-ends.
Medical imaging — evaluate sensors for PET, CT and other low-light applications.
Lab measurements — verify that measured PDE values match datasheet expectations.

Frequently asked questions about SiPM Photon Detection Efficiency Calculator

What is PDE in a SiPM?

PDE is the probability that an incident photon produces a detectable Geiger discharge, combining quantum efficiency, avalanche trigger probability and the geometric fill factor of the cell array.

Why does PDE depend on overvoltage?

A higher overvoltage Vov increases the avalanche trigger probability, raising PDE — but dark count rate, crosstalk and afterpulsing also grow, so an optimum operating point exists.

Is fill factor different from active area?

Fill factor is the ratio between the photosensitive area of all microcells and the total SiPM area; it accounts for the dead-space around each cell.

Is my data stored?

No. All calculations run locally in your browser; nothing is sent to any server.