Open AccessSelf-quenching InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche detector utilizing zinc diffusion rings
Author(s) -
James Cheng,
Shuzhen You,
Samia Nawar Rahman,
YuHwa Lo
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.015149
Subject(s) - detector , optics , photon counting , photon , dark current , optoelectronics , materials science , indium gallium arsenide , diffusion , geiger counter , photodetector , avalanche photodiode , noise (video) , apds , gallium arsenide , physics , artificial intelligence , computer science , image (mathematics) , thermodynamics
InGaAs single photon avalanche detectors have previously been fabricated with a negative-feedback mechanism, which allows for free-running Geiger-mode operation and improves the signal noise. To reduce the dark count and improve the detection efficiency, zinc diffusion is necessary to define the p-i-n junction and separate the high-field region from any mesa surface. Here, we demonstrate the benefits of a simple Zn-diffused geometry, yielding 1550 nm single-photon detection efficiencies of 20% with a dark count rate of 8 kHz at 140 K for a 22 μm diameter device.