Non-Geiger-mode single-photon counting APDs with high detection probability and afterpulse-free performance

Abstract

We report high gain, high sensitivity 1064-1550 nm avalanche photodiodes (APDs) that are capable of single photon counting in the linear mode below the breakdown voltage and at room temperature. Epitaxial Technologies has developed AIInAs/GaInAs APDs with multiplication gains as high as 347,000, sensitivities of -69 to -77 dBm and photon detection efficiencies as high as 27%. The single photon counting APDs are free of afterpulse artifacts even for pulse widths in the nanosecond range. They can detect single photons at up to 139 MHz and have the capability for gigahertz repetition rate. Based on innovative and proprietary APD production technologies, the APDs have excess noise factors as low as 2 with the high gain. To our knowledge, these are the highest multiplication gains simultaneous with low excess noise factors and high sensitivities reported so far for long wavelength APDs.