07 Sep 2015 The ID230 is a major breakthrough for single photon detection in free-running mode at telecom wavelengths. Based on the existing ID220, this new series offers a significantly decreased dark count rate thanks to an improved cooling system and adapted electronics. The avalanche photodiode working in Geiger mode is cooled down to -100°C. This series has been especially designed for applications in which asynchronous photon detection is essential.
In contrast to most detectors based on InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiodes (APDs), which operate in gated mode, the ID230 operates in free-running (asynchronous) mode. The APD is biased above its breakdown voltage, i.e. in Geiger mode. Upon photon absorption, the photon arrival time is reflected by the rising edge of a 100ns width LVTTL pulse at the output of the detector.
The ID230 has been designed to provide fast avalanche quenching, thus limiting afterpulsing. This allows the operation at reasonably short deadtime of values that can be optimized depending on the applications and efficiency setting. The module can operate at detection probability levels of up to 25%, with a deadtime that can be set between 1us and 100us. The photon arrival time is reflected with a timing resolution below 200ps (typically 150ps) at 25% efficiency. A simple USB interface allows the user to set the efficiency, the temperature of the avalanche photodiode and the deadtime. A standard FC/PC connector is provided as optical input.
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