DocumentCode :
1126168
Title :
Capacitive Quenching Measurement Circuit for Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiodes
Author :
Dimler, S.J. ; Ng, J.S. ; Tozer, R.C. ; Rees, G.J. ; David, J.P.R.
Author_Institution :
Sheffield Univ., Sheffield
Volume :
13
Issue :
4
fYear :
2007
Firstpage :
919
Lastpage :
925
Abstract :
Characterization of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes operated in gated mode requires fast rising-edge, well-defined over-bias pulses, and effective avalanche quenching. There has not been a suitable circuit that meets both criteria, thus, making systematic characterization and accurate comparison of these devices difficult. We present a capacitive quenching circuit (CQC) that satisfies both criteria and, thus, offers advantages over existing options such as a gated passive quenching circuit (G-PQC) and gated-mode operation without avalanche quenching. Test results using a commercial Si Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode, together with an experimental comparison between the CQC and the standard G-PQC circuit, are reported. The advantages of the CQC over the G-PQC circuit are demonstrated through comparisons of experimental over-bias pulses, distribution of avalanche current pulses, and dark count rate data. By each metric, the CQC is shown to yield results that are superior to those obtained using a standard G-PQC circuit.
Keywords :
avalanche photodiodes; capacitance measurement; photodetectors; Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes; avalanche current pulses; avalanche quenching; capacitive quenching measurement circuit; gated passive quenching circuit; single-photon detection; Avalanche breakdown; Avalanche photodiodes; Breakdown voltage; Circuit testing; Electronic ballasts; Impact ionization; Optical sensors; Pulse circuits; Pulse measurements; Resistors; Avalanche photodiode (APD); Geiger mode; dark count; impact ionization; quenching; single-photon detection;
fLanguage :
English
Journal_Title :
Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, IEEE Journal of
Publisher :
ieee
ISSN :
1077-260X
Type :
jour
DOI :
10.1109/JSTQE.2007.903595
Filename :
4305213
Link To Document :
بازگشت