SPAD active quenching circuit optimized for satellite laser ranging applications

Jan Kodet; Ivan Prochazka; Franz Koidl; Georg Kirchner; Matthew Wilkinson

doi:10.1117/12.821633

18 May 2009 SPAD active quenching circuit optimized for satellite laser ranging applications

Jan Kodet, Ivan Prochazka, Franz Koidl, Georg Kirchner, Matthew Wilkinson

Proceedings Volume 7355, Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing II; 73550W (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821633
Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2009, Prague, Czech Republic

Abstract

We are presenting novel active quenching circuit for Single Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs). It was designed and optimized for satellite laser ranging applications, where the specific requirements are put on the gating performance. The goal of this work was to be able to detect the photons in short time after gate on with constant detection delay and sensitivity to minimize the measurement errors on one hand and background photon flux induced false count on the other hand. The detector sensitivity and especially the detection delay must be stabilized few nanoseconds after the gate activation. In the new circuit the SPAD can be pulse operated up to 5 volts above its breakdown voltage, the gate is opened by the incoming external pulse and is closed by the first photon detection. The new circuit was built and tested, the detector package for the field operation at the satellite laser ranging station was completed. The device performance: detection sensitivity, detection delay and timing resolution was measured and will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Jan Kodet, Ivan Prochazka, Franz Koidl, Georg Kirchner, and Matthew Wilkinson "SPAD active quenching circuit optimized for satellite laser ranging applications", Proc. SPIE 7355, Photon Counting Applications, Quantum Optics, and Quantum Information Transfer and Processing II, 73550W (18 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821633

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