Self-Consistent 2-D Monte Carlo Simulations of InSb APD

Abstract

Self-consistent Monte Carlo simulations are used to study the low noise and high gain potential of InSb avalanche photodiodes. It is found that for an electron-initiated avalanche, excess noise factors well below the minimum McIntyre value persist up to gain values of around 60 for a 3.2 /spl mu/m avalanche region. For these very low noise values, it is found that multiplication has a very unusual voltage dependence which may be exploited for highly efficient novel low noise planar arrays operating at low voltage.