A Multi-Pixel Photon Counter detector prototype for direct detection of scintillation light in liquid xenon

This work concerns the preliminary tests and characterization of a cryogenic preamplifier board for an array made of 16 S13370-3050CN (VUV4 family) Multi-Pixel Photon Counters manufactured by Hamamatsu and operated at liquid xenon temperature. The electronics for the proposed prototype is based on the use of the Analog Devices AD8011 current feedback operational amplifier, but other models can be also considered. The detector allows for single photon detection, making this device a promising choice for future generation of neutrino and dark matter detectors based on liquid xenon targets. (paper)