Design and characterization of single photon avalanche diodes arrays

During the last years, in collaboration with ST-Microelectronics, we developed a new avalanche photo sensor, single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) see Ref.[S. Privitera, et al., Sensors 8 (2008) 4636[1];S. Tudisco et al., IEEE Sensors Journal 8 (2008) 1324 [2]]. Such sensor is able to detect and count, with excellent performance, single photons. Today, design and monolithic integration of many elements represents the most challenging goal in this field. In the present contribution we report on design and realization of a bi-dimensional array of SPADs. Such array is realized in standard planar technology and is the first prototype designed for imaging applications. The final aim is to identify the position and the arrival time of the impinging photons. Lay-out, readout strategy, characterization test are discussed.