Multi-gigahertz operation of photon counting InGaAs avalanche photodiodes

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 [2]

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.