Core Viewpoint - The successful domestic production of high-performance silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) technology by China has broken a 20-year monopoly held by German and Japanese companies, enabling the country to develop advanced medical devices and scientific instruments with a solid "Chinese core" foundation [1][12]. Group 1: Technology Breakthrough - The domestic company Zhongjing Optoelectronics, a subsidiary of China General Nuclear Power Corporation, has established a leading SiPM packaging production line with a yield rate exceeding 90% [1][3]. - The production of SiPM requires extremely high cleanliness standards, surpassing that of surgical rooms, indicating a significant mastery of core technology [3]. - The production line has received EU RoHS environmental certification and is set to pursue stricter ISO certification, positioning it for international market entry [3]. Group 2: Importance of SiPM - SiPM is described as a highly sensitive "photoelectric converter" capable of detecting single photons and converting them into measurable electrical signals [4]. - Compared to traditional photomultiplier tubes (PMT), SiPM operates at a lower voltage (under 100 volts), is more energy-efficient, and is more robust due to its solid-state design [6]. Group 3: Applications of SiPM - SiPM is crucial in high-end medical imaging devices like PET/CT and SPECT, where it converts gamma photons released from radioactive drugs into electrical signals, enhancing tumor detection accuracy [7]. - In high-energy physics, SiPM is used in experiments at CERN and Cherenkov telescopes to capture fleeting light produced by high-energy particles [7]. - SiPM is also essential for advanced driver-assistance systems, improving the performance of LiDAR in adverse weather conditions [9]. - Additionally, SiPM plays a role in radiation monitoring in nuclear power plants and customs checkpoints, ensuring public safety [9]. Group 4: Historical Context and Challenges - Previously, the SiPM market was dominated by foreign companies, with 90% of the market share held by German and Japanese firms due to high technical barriers and complex semiconductor processes [11]. - The breakthrough by Zhongjing Optoelectronics involved the independent development of key technologies such as external resistance quenching (EQR) SiPM and position-sensitive SiPM, directly competing with international standards [12].