  The application of silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) technology for weak-light
detection at a single photon level has expanded thanks to its better photon
detection efficiency in comparison to a conventional photomultiplier tube
(PMT). SiPMs with large detection area have recently become commercially
available, enabling applications where the photon flux is low both temporarily
and spatially. On the other hand, several drawbacks exist in the usage of SiPMs
such as a higher dark count rate, many readout channels, slow response time,
and optical crosstalk; therefore, users need to carefully consider the
trade-offs. This work presents a SiPM-embedded compact large-area photon
detection module. Various techniques are adopted to overcome the disadvantages
of SiPMs so that it can be generally utilized as an upgrade from a PMT. A
simple cooling component and recently developed optical crosstalk suppression
method are adopted to reduce the noise which is more serious for larger-area
SiPMs. A dedicated readout circuit increases the response frequency and reduces
the number of readout channels. We favorably compare this design with a
conventional PMT and obtain both higher photon detection efficiency and
larger-area acceptance.
