A novel 0.5GHz real time asynchronous photon detection and counting technique: ROIC design for cooled SWIR HgCdTe infrared detector

In this paper we present a new asynchronous readout technique designed for a single element infrared detector (SWIR HgCdTe APD). This circuit aims to perform photon counting on a hybridized detector at a cryogenic temperature for an atmospheric LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) application. Accordingly, for the most important specifications, we obtain a very low input referred noise generated by the circuit ~100 μVrms ↔ 12 e^- rms. Also, a bandwidth of 0.5GHz is achieved in order to satisfy the most demanding needs. The circuit architecture, the simulation bench and results are included and illustrated in this paper.