What is PIN and APD photodetector?
PIN photodiode is a kind of photo detector, it can convert optical signals into electrical signals. This technology was invented in the latest of 1950’s. There are three regions in this type of diode. There is a p-region an intrinsic region and an n-region.
What is the meaning of avalanche in APD?
An avalanche photodiode (APD) is a highly sensitive semiconductor photodiode detector that exploits the photoelectric effect to convert light into electricity. From a functional standpoint, they can be regarded as the semiconductor analog of photomultiplier tubes.
What are difference between PIN and APD photodiodes?
The main advantage of the APD is that it has a greater level of sensitivity compared to PIN. The avalanche action increases the gain of the diode many times, providing much higher sensitivity. However, an APD requires a higher operating voltage.
How do avalanche photodiodes work?
Avalanche photodiode working principle Avalanche breakdown takes place when the diode is subjected to high reverse voltage. The reverse bias voltage increases the electric field across the depletion layer. Incident light enters the p+ region and further gets absorbed in the highly resistive p region.
How does a photodetector work?
Photodetectors measure photon flux or optical power by converting the absorbed photon energy into electrical current.
What is the response time of APD to that of pin?
Conversion efficiency is 0.5 to 1.0 amps/watt. The response time of PIN is half that of APD.
What is the function of the photodetector?
Photodetectors are sensors that can convert the photon energy of light into electrical signal. They are absolutely necessary for various scientific implementations like fiber optic communication systems, process control, environmental sensing, safety and security, and also in defense-related applications.
What is MSM photodetector?
A metal-semiconductor-metal (MSM) photodetector consists of interdigitated metal fingers on a semiconductor, and it detects photons by collecting electric signals generated by photoexcited electrons and holes in the semiconductor which drift under the electrical field applied between the fingers.
What are the drawbacks of avalanche photodiode?
Disadvantages of avalanche photodiode :
- The much higher operating voltage required.
- The output is not linear.
- A much higher level of noise.
- Not as widely used due to low reliability.
- Requires high reverse bias for operation.
What is the advantage of avalanche photodiode?
Advantages of avalanche photodiode : Includes a greater level of sensitivity. High performance. Fast response time.
What is required for photodetector?
Depending on the application, a photodetector has to fulfill various requirements: It must be sensitive in a certain spectral region (range of optical wavelengths). In some cases, the responsivity should be constant or at least well defined within some wavelength range.
What are types of photodetectors?
Common Types of Photodetectors
- p-n Photodiodes.
- p-i-n Photodiodes.
- Avalanche Photodiodes.
- MSM Photodetectors.
Is avalanche diode and avalanche photo diode are same?
What is Avalanche Photodiode? The diode which uses the avalanche method to provide extra performance as compared to other diodes is known as avalanche photodiode. These diodes are used to change the signals from optical to electrical. These diodes can be operated in high reverse bias.
What are the disadvantages of APD?
Avalanche photodiode disadvantages:
- Much higher operating voltage may be required.
- Avalanche photodiode produces a much higher level of noise than a PN photodiode.
- Avalanche process means that the output is not linear.
What is a photodetector explain the working principle of metal semiconductor photodiode and MSM photodetector?
What are the characteristics of avalanche photodiode?
These new APDs have substantially better characteristics compared to the old “reach through” types: they are very fast, have good response for visible and blue light, have a small excess noise factor, their temperature dependence is strongly reduced and they are radiation hard.
How do photodetectors work?
Photodetectors measure photon flux or optical power by converting the absorbed photon energy into electrical current. A wide range of devices (Saleh and Teich, 2007) are available, such as remote controls, televisions, and DVD players.
What are the two main types of photodetectors?
What is avalanche diode mode?
In electronics, an avalanche diode is a diode (made from silicon or other semiconductor) that is designed to experience avalanche breakdown at a specified reverse bias voltage.
Is an advantages of avalanche photodiode?
Advantages of avalanche photodiode :
- Includes a greater level of sensitivity.
- High performance.
- Fast response time.