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Counting, timing, and tracking with a single-photon germanium detector.

F Zappa, A Lacaita, S Cova

|October 30, 2009

Summary

This study presents a germanium quad-cell detector for single photon detection. It achieves high sensitivity and precise timing, enabling effective tracking applications.

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Area of Science:

Optoelectronics
Photonics
Semiconductor Devices

Background:

Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are crucial for sensitive light detection.
Photon-counting APDs offer high sensitivity but can suffer from crosstalk.
Germanium detectors are suitable for infrared applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the performance of a germanium quad-cell detector for photon counting.
To assess its suitability for precise photon arrival time measurements.
To demonstrate its tracking capabilities.

Main Methods:

Utilizing four avalanche photodiodes in a quad-cell configuration.
Operating APDs in the photon-counting regime above breakdown voltage.
Implementing multiplexed gating to mitigate optical crosstalk.

Main Results:

Achieving ~10% quantum efficiency for single photon detection at 1-1.5 microm wavelengths.
Obtaining a time resolution of 100 ps for photon arrival time.
Reaching a noise-equivalent power of 3 x 10(-15) W/Hz((1/2)) per pixel.

Conclusions:

The germanium quad-cell demonstrates excellent single photon detection performance.
Multiplexed gating effectively suppresses crosstalk, enhancing detector reliability.
The detector is capable of precise timing and sensitive tracking applications.

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