Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 1, 2026
09:30
Patterned Photostimulation with Digital Micromirror Devices to Investigate Dendritic Integration Across Branch Points
Published on: March 2, 2011
16.3K
Low-noise and high-speed photodetection system using optical feedback with a current amplification function
1National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Tokyo 184-8795, Japan.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|October 3, 2015
Summary
This study presents an optical-feedback photodetection system that overcomes transimpedance amplifier limitations. The novel design achieves high current gain with improved sensitivity and response for sensitive light detection.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Photodetection Systems
- Electronic Amplification
Background:
- Transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs) with high feedback resistors have drawbacks.
- Optical feedback offers a potential solution to TIA limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel optical-feedback photodetection system.
- To improve the sensitivity and response trade-off in photodetection.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an optical-feedback circuit with current amplification.
- Utilizing an optical output from the feedback light source for current gain.
- Derivation of input-referred noise current expression for the system.
- Experimental validation using an InGaAs pin photodiode.
Main Results:
- Achieved a current gain with no theoretical limit.
- Measured noise equivalent power of 1.7 fW/Hz(1/2) at 10 Hz and 1.3 μm.
- Demonstrated significant improvement in the sensitivity-response trade-off.
- Observed a 50% rise time increase from 3.1 μs to 15 μs with decreasing photocurrent.
Conclusions:
- The optical-feedback photodetection system effectively minimizes TIA drawbacks.
- The system offers superior sensitivity and response compared to traditional TIAs.
- Further optimization may be needed for very low photocurrent applications.
