Studies of SiPM properties using an integrating sphere

The Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) is a relatively new device for photon detection at very low photon rates. They have certain advantages compared to the traditional photomultiplier tubes (PMT). As they are based on semiconductor technology, SiPMs are appreciated for their small size, indifference to magnetic elds and their relatively low costs compared to PMTs. This opens a wide field for the application of the SiPM in particle physics, for example in future upgrades of the LHC detectors. For the development of prototypes in this direction, the properties of SiPMs have to be profoundly understood. This thesis describes the development of a test stand in which an integrating sphere is used to provide the SiPM and a reference detector with the same amount of diffused light to try to study properties such as the photon detection efficiency (PDE).