High Efficiency Planar Geometry Germanium-on-silicon Single-photon Avalanche Diode Detectors

Thorburn, F. E. et al. (2020) High Efficiency Planar Geometry Germanium-on-silicon Single-photon Avalanche Diode Detectors. In: Advanced Photon Counting Techniques XIV, 27 Apr - 08 May 2020, 113860N. ISBN 9781510635494 (doi: 10.1117/12.2559620)

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Abstract

This paper presents the performance of 26 μm and 50 μm diameter planar Ge-on-Si single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors. The addition of germanium in these detectors extends the spectral range into the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region, beyond the capability of already well-established Si SPAD devices. There are several advantages for extending the spectral range into the SWIR region including: reduced eye-safety laser threshold, greater attainable ranges, and increased depth resolution in range finding applications, in addition to the enhanced capability to image through obscurants such as fog and smoke. The time correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) technique has been utilized to observe record low dark count rates, below 100 kHz at a temperature of 125 K for up to a 6.6 % excess bias, for the 26 μm diameter devices. Under identical experimental conditions, in terms of excess bias and temperature, the 50 μm diameter device consistently demonstrates dark count rates a factor of 4 times greater than 26 μm diameter devices, indicating that the dark count rate is proportional to the device volume. Single-photon detection efficiencies of up to ~ 29 % were measured at a wavelength of 1310 nm at 125 K. Noise equivalent powers (NEP) down to 9.8 × 10-17 WHz-1/2 and jitters < 160 ps are obtainable, both significantly lower than previous 100 μm diameter planar geometry devices, demonstrating the potential of these devices for highly sensitive and high-speed imaging in the SWIR.

Item Type:Conference Proceedings
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Millar, Dr Ross and Paul, Professor Douglas and Ferre Llin, Dr Lourdes and Kirdoda, Mr Jaroslaw
Authors: Thorburn, F. E., Huddleston, L. L., Kirdoda, J., Millar, R. W., Ferre Llin, L., Yi, X., Paul, D. J., Buller, G. S., Itzler, M. A., McIntosh, K. A., and Bienfang, J. C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
ISSN:0277-786X
ISBN:9781510635494
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 SPIE
First Published:First published in Proceedings of SPIE 11386: 113860N
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
170574Integrated Photonic Quantum technologiesRobert HadfieldEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/L024020/1ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
171911Engineering Quantum Technology Systems on a Silicon PlatformDouglas PaulEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/N003225/1ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
304158Single-photons - expanding the spectrum (SPEX)Robert HadfieldEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/S026428/1 513859/B1ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
305567QuantIC - The UK Quantum Technoogy Hub in Quantum Enhanced ImagingMiles PadgettEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/T00097X/1P&S - Physics & Astronomy
305753Quantum Communications hub Phase 2Robert HadfieldEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EP/T001011/1ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
304381Quantum Communicationss (tbc)Douglas PaulInnovate UK (INNOVATE)104615ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering
305161Germanium Tin Quantum DetectorsRoss MillarRoyal Academy of Engineering (RAE)RF/201819/18/187ENG - Electronics & Nanoscale Engineering