The development of novel photo detectors allows for new detector concepts in a broad variety of fields. In particular, silicon based photo detectors, so called SiPMs, combine single photon resolution with a compact size and low operating voltages compared to common photo detectors. Additionally, the insensitivity against external magnetic fields is crucial for many applications. The detector R&D group at KIP is working on high precision SiPM based detectors for high energy physics experiments, including the development of high performance custom readout electronics.