Miniaturization achievements and performance enhancements in the new generations of ArduSiPM all-in-one detector technologies

We have designed a new structure of all-in-one scintillator particle detectors, ArduSiPM, which takes full advantage of silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) and System on Chip (SoC) technology advancements. By minimizing external components and intensively leveraging increasingly powerful microcontroller peripherals, these devices are both compact and high-performance. Using firmware and commercial SoCs over custom ASICs reduces components, speeds development, and eases upgrades to new SoCs. Building on this, we have developed advanced, smaller, and higher-performing detectors with MICRO (coMpact-electronIcs soC paRticle-detectors and biOluminesceNce) and LITE-SLPD (Lightweight Silicon Pixel Detector) research projects by INFN. The second-generation, CosmoArduSiPM, optimized for space missions, incorporates two independent channels within a CubeSat form factor. The third-generation NanoArduSiPM, half the size, is currently in testing. The ArduSiPM technology eliminates the need for external data acquisition systems and ASICs, enabling the CPU to perform edge computing. The detectors based on ArduSiPM technology can measure rates, arrival times (7 ns resolution for second and third generations), and count photons on the SiPM, making it ideal for radiation monitoring and sensitive photon detection. Coupled with a fast plastic scintillator, they serve as cosmic ray counters, triggers, or beam loss monitors. Additionally, they function as gamma detectors with inorganic scintillators like CsI(Tl) (Cesium Iodide doped with Thallium) or LaBr3 (Lanthanum Bromide). The firmware supports rapid data analysis and gamma spectrum production and can be further customized with ad-hoc analysis functionalities.