Abstract
We present circuits and methods for fast-gating a silicon single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) in order to attain wide dynamic range in the measurement of very faint and very fast optical signals. A mixed-signal amplifier comprising ECL logic and microwave components allows to achieve turn-ON and turn-OFF transition times below 200ps and gating windows from 10ns down to just few hundreds of picoseconds. A differential front-end electronics reads out the avalanche current pulse while rejecting spurious spikes due to the gate pulse, thus achieving a photon detection timing jitter below 30ps. This paper describes the conceived circuit solutions, the overall instrument development and the results of its characterization and validation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
