Data Acquisition Methods for SiPM Characterization: Current Status of the VERA System at TRIUMF

This study will describe the design and continued development of readout software and instrumentation for the Vacuum Emission, Reflection, and Absorption (VERA) measurement apparatus at TRIUMF. The VERA apparatus is used to characterize Silicon Photomultiplier responses to vacuum-ultraviolet light at cryogenic temperatures, and contributes to selecting a SiPM for nEXO. VERA consists of a liquid nitrogen cooling system, programmable power supplies for SiPM bias, a lamp, and a vacuum chamber. Data collection and experiment monitoring software is built using the Maximum Integrated Data Acquisition System, developed jointly by TRIUMF and PSI. Current work is focused on expanding our data acquisition software to support new procedures and measurement equipment, reducing noise, and ensuring repeatable measurements.