SiPMiga

SiPMiga is a modular, open-source framework for silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based detectors. It provides a cohesive ecosystem that covers sensor modules, readout electronics, software, and documentation, enabling researchers to prototype, compare, and deploy SiPM-based instrumentation across disciplines. The project emphasizes interoperability, reconfigurability, and reproducibility through standardized interfaces and data formats.

The system centers on standardizable sensor modules housing SiPM arrays, with adaptable front-end electronics that provide bias control, amplification, and time stamping. It supports plug-and-play interconnects, scalable channel counts, and temperature compensation to stabilize gain. A modular back-end combines FPGA- or microcontroller-based front-ends with optional ASICs for waveform sampling, enabling low-noise, high-rate data acquisition.

SiPMiga supplies firmware templates, drivers, and a software stack for data acquisition, calibration, and analysis. Calibration routines address gain variation with temperature, dark count rate, and afterpulsing. Data are stored in open, portable formats with metadata describing sensor configuration, geometry, and run conditions. A reference reconstruction library provides timing, photon counting, and energy estimation algorithms.

Applications and reception: Although fictive for this article, SiPMiga is positioned for use in particle physics experiments, medical imaging such as positron emission tomography, LIDAR systems, and educational laboratories. The framework aims to lower entry barriers by providing reusable components and thorough documentation.

Governance and licensing: SiPMiga is described as an open-source project under a permissive license, with community-driven governance, issue tracking, and contribution guidelines. Development emphasizes safety, accuracy, and reproducibility, including test suites and hardware-in-the-loop simulations.