Applications of Silicon Photo-Multipliers (SiPMs) in space-based experiments for High-Energy Astrophysics

Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) are semiconductor photo-sensors employed in several scientific, medical and industrial applications, especially when fast time response and weak light sensitivity in the I.R.-U.V. range are required. They are characterized by improved spectral sensitivity, robust mechanical properties and higher resilience in harsh environments. The SiPM technology is especially suitable in instrumenting imaging cameras of ground-based telescopes and for space-borne detectors in astrophysical experiments. The main goal of this Ph.D. proposal s a full and extensive characterization of different SiPMs for applications in future detectors of space-based projects [e.g. JEM-EUSO Program (https://www.jemeuso.org/) and POEMMA Mission] supported by ASI and NASA space agencies.