Single Photon Detection using AlGaAsSb Avalanche Photodiodes
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Electronic and Electrical Engineering
Abstract
1) Complete a comprehensive survey of available transimpedance (TIA) amplifiers to achieve the lowest possible electronic noise. This should be in the form of die so that it can be integrated with the AlGaAsSb Avalanche Photodiodes (APDs)
2) Integrate the APD and TIA such that the overall module noise can be characterised as a function of temperature, for example from 200-350K.
3) Demonstrate single photon detection using the integrated APD-TIA module.
4) Based on the APD characteristics, design and implement a custom amplifier to maximise the single photon detection efficiency (SPDE).
Light can be thought of as discrete units of energy: photons, as introduced by Einstein. Single photon detection is the ultimate sensitivity for a sensor detecting light or a photodetector. A single photon detector technology is therefore the key to unlock the potential of quantum applications (including secure communication and computing) and myriad low photon applications (including satellite to ground communication, long range atmospheric gas sensing and biological/chemical spectroscopy). For practical mass-market applications there is a need for high performance single photon detectors at infrared wavelengths of 1550 nm that can achieve SPDE above 50%. This proposal aims to achieve this target by combining the patented AlGaAsSb APD technology from EEE with a custom-designed low noise amplifier. Based on the patent from EEE, Phlux has successfully manufactured the best APDs in its class. Therefore the project will work with Phlux to optimise the AlGaAsSb for single photon detection. The project would also integrate the APD with TIA chips to form a compact and affordable module that achieves SPDE ~50%.
2) Integrate the APD and TIA such that the overall module noise can be characterised as a function of temperature, for example from 200-350K.
3) Demonstrate single photon detection using the integrated APD-TIA module.
4) Based on the APD characteristics, design and implement a custom amplifier to maximise the single photon detection efficiency (SPDE).
Light can be thought of as discrete units of energy: photons, as introduced by Einstein. Single photon detection is the ultimate sensitivity for a sensor detecting light or a photodetector. A single photon detector technology is therefore the key to unlock the potential of quantum applications (including secure communication and computing) and myriad low photon applications (including satellite to ground communication, long range atmospheric gas sensing and biological/chemical spectroscopy). For practical mass-market applications there is a need for high performance single photon detectors at infrared wavelengths of 1550 nm that can achieve SPDE above 50%. This proposal aims to achieve this target by combining the patented AlGaAsSb APD technology from EEE with a custom-designed low noise amplifier. Based on the patent from EEE, Phlux has successfully manufactured the best APDs in its class. Therefore the project will work with Phlux to optimise the AlGaAsSb for single photon detection. The project would also integrate the APD with TIA chips to form a compact and affordable module that achieves SPDE ~50%.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Chee Hing Tan (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Benjamin Sheridan (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/W524360/1 | 30/09/2022 | 29/09/2028 | |||
| 2885893 | Studentship | EP/W524360/1 | 30/09/2023 | 28/02/2027 | Benjamin Sheridan |