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Photon counting with passively quenched germanium avalanche
Applied Optics
|October 14, 2010
Summary
We achieved photon counting using germanium avalanche photodiodes. This method offers moderate quantum efficiency with low afterpulsing and dark counts, suitable for sensitive light detection.
Area of Science:
- Photonics and Semiconductor Devices
- Quantum Optics and Measurement
Background:
- Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are crucial for detecting faint light signals.
- Achieving efficient photon counting with low noise in APDs is an ongoing challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate effective photon counting in germanium avalanche photodiodes.
- To evaluate the performance of these devices when biased beyond breakdown and quenched with a simple circuit.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing germanium avalanche photodiodes (Ge-APDs) biased above their breakdown voltage.
- Implementing a series resistance circuit for quenching the avalanche events.
- Characterizing quantum efficiency, afterpulsing, dark counts, and timing jitter.
Main Results:
- Successful photon counting demonstrated in Ge-APDs.
- Moderate quantum efficiency exceeding 7% was achieved.
- Limited afterpulsing and dark counts observed, with subnanosecond timing jitter.
Conclusions:
- Simple series resistance quenching is effective for photon counting in Ge-APDs.
- These devices offer a promising solution for sensitive light detection applications.
- The demonstrated performance metrics are competitive for photon-counting applications.
