S. Korean scientists develop next-generation light sensor technology

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists have developed a
next-generation, light sensor technology that can pick up clear images in the
dark, the government said Monday.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said scientists at Ewha Womans
University have created an indigenous silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) sensor that
promises to open new horizons in the field of optics and telescope construction.
The so-called silicon single photon sensitive devices are built from an avalanche
photodiode (APD) array based on a common silicon substrate. Such a device can
detect single photon events which are then processed and compiled into larger
pictures.
The ministry, which provided research funding to the Seoul-based school, said the
so-called SiPM can produce images in almost pitch-black conditions, is light
weight and is more energy efficient than conventional photomultipliers that
require a vacuum chamber.
It said successful tests have been conducted using just 14 volts and with almost
no secondary noise. Existing devices based on photomultipliers use 100 times more
power.
There is an ongoing race to develop the technology for commercial use, with a
Japanese and Irish company producing simple, commercial models in 2007 and
researchers in Germany and Italy reporting similar breakthroughs last year.
The initial concept was developed by Russia's Moscow Engineering Physics
Institute in 2003.
The ministry said the Ewha team plans to use the technology in the construction
of its micro-mirror telescope, but said it can also be used in super-fine medical
imaging devices, precision scientific sensors and ordinary cameras.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)