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Multi-gigahertz operation of photon counting InGaAs avalanche photodiodes

Fri, 2011-04-01 12:46 - Q-Essence Coordinator
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Date: 
2010-02-15
Author(s): 

Z. L. Yuan, A. W. Sharpe, J. F. Dynes, A. R. Dixon, and A. J. Shields

Reference: 

Appl. Phys. Lett. 96, 071101 (2010)

URL: 

http://apl.aip.org/resource/1/applab/v96/i7/p071101_s1

We report a 2 GHz operation of InGaAs avalanche photodiodes for efficient single photon detection at telecom wavelengths. Employing a self-differencing circuit that incorporates tuneability in both frequency and arm balancing, extremely weak avalanches can now be sensed so as to suppress afterpulsing. The afterpulse probability is characterized as 4.84% and 1.42% for a photon detection efficiency of 23.5% and 11.8%, respectively. The device will further increase the secure bit rate for fiber wavelength quantum key distribution.