Title :
Photon counting III-V hybrid photomultipliers using transmission mode photocathodes
Author :
Rue, Ross A La ; Costello, Kenneth A. ; Davis, Gary A. ; Edgecumbe, John P. ; Aebi, Verle W.
Author_Institution :
Adv. Technol. Div., Intevac, Santa Clara, CA, USA
fDate :
4/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
This paper reports on the development of solid-state hybrid photomultiplier tubes using high quantum efficiency, transmission mode, III-V photocathodes. The first strike low-noise gain mechanism in these devices is provided via electron bombardment of a solid-state GaAs Schottky diode. In addition, a second-stage gain is provided by solid-state avalanching within a GaAs Schottky APD (SAPD) anode. A combined gain of 2×104, adequate for photon counting, is achieved. Device bandwidth, exceeding 1 GHz, is optimized by tailoring the diode anode structure. The combined traits of this device provide high quantum efficiency, large dynamic range, large bandwidth, and adequate gain for photon counting. Photon counting beyond 1 μm is feasible for a cooled device. The tube structure, diode anode structure, noise issues and preliminary photon counting results are discussed
Keywords :
III-V semiconductors; Schottky diodes; photocathodes; photomultipliers; photon counting; GaAs; III-V photocathodes; Schottky diode; device bandwidth; diode anode structure; electron bombardment; hybrid photomultipliers; photon counting; quantum efficiency; second-stage gain; solid-state avalanching; transmission mode; transmission mode photocathodes; Anodes; Bandwidth; Cathodes; Dynamic range; Electrons; Gallium arsenide; III-V semiconductor materials; Photomultipliers; Schottky diodes; Solid state circuits;
Journal_Title :
Electron Devices, IEEE Transactions on
