Noise theory for the read type avalanche diode

An analysis is presented for the noise current spectrum of an avalanche diode under assumed conditions of ideal uniform avalanche behavior in a zone which is thin compared with the total high-field depletion zone. The result is applied to the Read diode amplifier. For a typical set of operating parameters, the theory predicts a noise figure on the order of 40 dB. Depending upon particular device parameters, lower noise figures may be possible.