Abstract
The detection of single photons has attracted the attention of scientists for many years. Applications such as Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, or quantum key distribution require the use of devices with such level of sensitivity. Thanks to their high internal gain, photomultiplier tubes were the first devices to demonstrate single-photon counting capabilities. However, their high volume and required voltages soon encouraged the search for new devices.
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Further reading
Cova, S., Ghioni, M., Lacaita, A., Samori, C. and Zappa, F., “Avalanche photodiodes and quenching circuits for single-photon detection,” Applied Optics 35, pp. 1956-1976, 1996.
Donnelly, J.P., Duerr, E.K., McIntosh, K.A., Dauler, E.A., Oakley, D.C., Groves, S.H., Vineis, C.J., Mahoney, L.J., Molvar, K.M., Hopman, P.I., Jensen, K.E., Smith, G.M., Verghese, S. and Shaver, D.C., “Design Considerations for 1.06µm InGaAsP-InP Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiodes,” IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics 42, pp. 797-809, 2006.
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Sze, S.M., Physics of Semiconductor Devices, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1981.
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Razeghi, M. (2010). Single-Photon Avalanche Photodiodes. In: Technology of Quantum Devices. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1056-1_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1056-1_12
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