Title :
Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode arrays integrated with CMOS timing circuits
Author :
Aull, B.F. ; Loomis, A.H. ; Gregory, J.A. ; Young, D.J.
Author_Institution :
Lincoln Lab., MIT, Lexington, MA, USA
Abstract :
We report monolithic arrays of silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes, and their integration with arrays of CMOS processing circuits. This is an enabling technology for a new class of focal plane arrays whose pixels can detect single photons as well as time their arrival with sub-ns precision. The CMOS circuits can be tailored to support either 3D laser radar applications, where the time of arrival of the first detected photon is of interest, or high-dynamic-range passive imaging, where the rate of arrival of photons is of interest. This combination of capabilities is not supported by traditional focal plane technologies such as CCDs and active-pixel sensors.
Keywords :
CMOS analogue integrated circuits; arrays; avalanche photodiodes; elemental semiconductors; focal planes; optical radar; photon counting; silicon; timing circuits; 3D laser radar applications; CMOS circuits; CMOS processing circuit array integration; Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode arrays; Si; first detected photon; focal plane arrays; high-dynamic-range passive imaging; integrated CMOS timing circuits; monolithic arrays; photon arrival rate; photon time of arrival; silicon Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes; single photon detection; Avalanche photodiodes; CMOS process; CMOS technology; Integrated circuit technology; Laser applications; Laser radar; Optoelectronic and photonic sensors; Radar detection; Silicon; Timing;
Conference_Titel :
Device Research Conference Digest, 1998. 56th Annual
Conference_Location :
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-4995-4
DOI :
10.1109/DRC.1998.731120
