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The Evolution of the Geiger-Mode Silicon Avalanche Photodiode for Single-Photon Counting

Bernicy Fong, Excelitas Technologies Corp.

Since the photomultiplier tube (PMT) was invented in the mid-1930s, it has remained the principal detector for experiments involving a small number of photons. However, its low photon detection efficiency and high sensitivity to magnetic fields forced researchers and systems designers worldwide to find alternatives for single-photon detection. The foundation for the development of the Geiger-mode silicon avalanche photodiode (G-SAPD) was laid in 1961, when Dr. Robert J. McIntyre of RCA Electro-Optics Canada presented his theory of microplasma instability in silicon. McIntyre’s team...Read full article

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    Published: September 2011
    Glossary
    adaptive optics
    Adaptive optics (AO) is a technology used to improve the performance of optical systems by reducing the effects of atmospheric distortions. The Earth's atmosphere can cause light passing through it to experience distortions, resulting in image blurring and degradation in various optical applications, such as astronomical observations, laser communications, and imaging systems. Adaptive optics systems actively adjust the optical elements in real-time to compensate for these distortions. Key...
    astronomy
    The scientific observation of celestial radiation that has reached the vicinity of Earth, and the interpretation of these observations to determine the characteristics of the extraterrestrial bodies and phenomena that have emitted the radiation.
    avalanche photodiode
    A device that utilizes avalanche multiplication of photocurrent by means of hole-electrons created by absorbed photons. When the device's reverse-bias voltage nears breakdown level, the hole-electron pairs collide with ions to create additional hole-electron pairs, thus achieving a signal gain.
    detector
    1. A device designed to convert the energy of incident radiation into another form for the determination of the presence of the radiation. The device may function by electrical, photographic or visual means. 2. A device that provides an electric output that is a useful measure of the radiation that is incident on the device.
    photodiode
    A two-electrode, radiation-sensitive junction formed in a semiconductor material in which the reverse current varies with illumination. Photodiodes are used for the detection of optical power and for the conversion of optical power to electrical power. See avalanche photodiode; PIN photodiode. photodiode suppliers →
    photomultiplier tube
    A photomultiplier tube (PMT) is a highly sensitive vacuum tube that detects and amplifies low levels of light. It is widely used in various applications where high sensitivity, fast response times, and low-light detection capabilities are crucial. Photomultiplier tubes are particularly valuable in scientific research, medical diagnostics, and industrial instrumentation. Key features and principles of PMTs include: Photoelectric effect: The operation of a photomultiplier tube is based on the...
    positron emission tomography
    A medical imaging device that uses a ring of crystal/photomultiplier tube assemblies encircling the patient to detect gamma rays emitted by positrons colliding with electrons.
    adaptive opticsAmericasAPDastronomyavalanche photodiodeBasic ScienceBernicy FongBiophotonicsCMOScomplementary metal oxide semiconductorCTdetectorExcelitas Technologies CanadaExcelitas Technologies Corp.Featuresfluorescence sensingG-SAPDGeiger modeGeiger-Mode Silicon Avalanche PhotodiodeHamamatsu PhotonicsImagingmicroplasma instabilityMicroscopyPDEPETPET/CTphotodiodephotomultiplier tubephoton countingphoton detection efficiencyPMTpositron emission tomographyquantum cryptographyRadiation Monitoring Devices Inc.RCA Electro-Optics CanadaRobert J. McIntyreRockwell InternationalSensors & Detectorssiliconsilicon APDsilicon photomultiplierssingle-molecule analysissingle-photon countingSIPMSSLIK structuresuperlow excess noise factor structuresuperlow K-factortime-domain fluorescence spectroscopy

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