The Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM) is a novel pixelated photon detector able to detect single photon arrival with good timing resolution and high gain. In this work we present a complete study of the performances of different SiPMs produced by STMicroelectronics. Their potentialities and limits were identified using experimental measurements and electrical simulations performed both on single pixel and SiPM having up to ∼4000 pixels. SiPM was tested in different experiments such as photoluminescence emission measurement, lifetime measurement of semiconductor materials and light diffusion in highly scattering material in the near infrared spectrum showing its aptitude to replace PMT in those applications.