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Linear Avalanche Photodiode Detector Arrays for Gated Spectroscopy with Single-Photon Sensitivity--Radiation Monitoring Devices (RMD), Inc., 44 Hunt Street, Watertown, MA  02472-4699; 617-926-1167

Mr. Arieh Karger, Principal Investigator

Dr. Gerald Entine, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER83086

Amount:  $100,000

 

Current high performance time resolved spectroscopy systems usually rely on image intensified charge coupled detector arrays (ICCDs).  While ICCDs are capable of single photon sensitivity with nanosecond time resolution via detector gating, performance is limited by the photocathode quantum efficiency (<15 percent in the UV and <20 percent visible to near IR).  The approach of this SBIR program is to develop a solid state version of gated ICCDs.  RMD’s expertise in high performance Avalanche Photodiode (APD) arrays will be used to develop a linear array of APDs with single photon sensitivity, high quantum efficiency (30-80 percent for wavelengths between 300-700 nm), and gated modes of operation.  During Phase I, we will determine the optimal operating temperature for single photon detection, determine the internal quantum efficiency, and develop gated integration circuitry.  These experiments will be performed on individual elements of an APD array.  The result of Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of developing a linear APD replacement for gated ICCDs in spectroscopy applications.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The proposed linear APD detector array will significantly increase low light sensitivity of time-resolved spectroscopy applications.  These applications include remote sensing LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), fluorescence decay spectroscopy, chemical and biological detection.