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Published on: April 4, 2017
Photon counting techniques with silicon avalanche photodiodes
Applied Optics
|September 11, 2010
Summary
Avalanche photodiodes achieve high photon detection efficiencies using Geiger mode operation. This review details improvements in efficiency and timing for photon counting applications.
Area of Science:
- Photon counting
- Avalanche photodiodes
- Semiconductor devices
Background:
- Photon counting requires sensitive detectors with precise timing.
- Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are suitable for single-photon detection.
- Geiger and sub-Geiger modes offer different performance trade-offs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review APD properties for photon counting.
- To analyze Geiger and sub-Geiger modes.
- To highlight performance improvements in APD technology.
Main Methods:
- Review of avalanche photodiode characteristics.
- Analysis of passive and active quenching circuits.
- Evaluation of photon detection efficiency and timing jitter.
Main Results:
- Geiger mode APDs achieve ~70% detection efficiency at 633 nm with <200 ps jitter.
- Active quenching circuits yield ~50% efficiency with <50 ns dead time.
- Large-area (1 mm) APDs show >80% quantum efficiency (500-800 nm).
Conclusions:
- Geiger mode APDs offer significant performance gains for photon counting.
- Advanced quenching circuits enhance APD capabilities.
- Larger APDs expand applicability in optical sensing.
