Noise theory for the read type avalanche diode

Abstract

An analysis is presented for the noise current spectrum of an avalanche diode under assumed conditions of ideal uniform avalanche behavior in a zone which is thin compared with the total high-field depletion zone. The result is applied to the Read diode amplifier. For a typical set of operating parameters, the theory predicts a noise figure on the order of 40 dB. Depending upon particular device parameters, lower noise figures may be possible.