Modeling photon detection efficiency and temporal response of single photon avalanche diodes

Angelo Gulinatti; Ivan Rech; Silvia Fumagalli; Mattia Assanelli; Massimo Ghioni; Sergio D. Cova

doi:10.1117/12.820661

18 May 2009 Modeling photon detection efficiency and temporal response of single photon avalanche diodes

Angelo Gulinatti, Ivan Rech, Silvia Fumagalli, Mattia Assanelli, Massimo Ghioni, Sergio D. Cova

Proceedings Volume 7355, Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing II; 73550X (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.820661
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2009, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

In this paper we present a physically-based model aimed at calculating the Photon Detection Efficiency (PDE) and the temporal response of a Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) with a given structure. In order to calculate these quantities, it is necessary to evaluate both the probability and the delay with which a photon impinging on the detector area triggers an avalanche. Three tasks are sequentially performed: as a first step, the electron-hole generation profile along the device is calculated according to the silicon absorption coefficient at the considered wavelength; successively, temporal evolution of the carriers distribution along the device is calculated by solving drift diffusion equations; finally, the avalanche triggering probability is calculated as a function of the photon absorption point. Validation of the model has been carried out by comparing simulation and experimental results of a few generations of detectors previously realized in our laboratory. Photon detection efficiency has been measured and calculated for wavelengths ranging from 400nm to 1000nm and for excess bias voltages ranging from 2 to 8V. Similarly, temporal response has been investigated at two different wavelengths (520 and 820nm). A remarkable agreement between experimental and simulation results has been obtained in the entire characterization domain simply starting from the measured doping profile and without the need of any fitting parameter. Consequently, we think that this model will be a valuable tool for the development of new detectors with improved performances.

Citation Download Citation

Angelo Gulinatti, Ivan Rech, Silvia Fumagalli, Mattia Assanelli, Massimo Ghioni, and Sergio D. Cova "Modeling photon detection efficiency and temporal response of single photon avalanche diodes", Proc. SPIE 7355, Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing II, 73550X (18 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.820661

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available