InGaAsP/InP avalanche photodiodes for photon counting at 1.06 μm

Abstract

Geiger-mode (photon-counting) operation at 1.06 μm has been demonstrated with InGaAsP/InP avalanche photodiodes operated at room temperature. A photon detection efficiency of 33% was measured on uncoated detectors, representing an internal avalanche probability of 60%. Under identical bias conditions a dark count rate as low as 1.7 MHz was measured at 290 K, consistent with a primary dark current of <0.3 pA. Dark count rates drop by approximately 50–200× by cooling the detectors to 210 K (−63 °C).