A Compact Detection Quenching Circuit for Array Single Photon Avalanche Diodes

Abstract

The invention discloses a compact quenching detection circuit applied to an array type single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD). The compact quenching detection circuit comprises a detection circuit, a gated circuit, a quenching circuit and a pulse width adjustable reset circuit. The quenching circuit carries out I-Q-V integration conversion to convert currents into voltage signals by use of avalanche currents generated by an SPAD junction capacitor for the SPAD, pulse signals are output after processing through a single-tube comparator, the pulse signals are shaped through an inverter, and thus a driving capability is enhanced. According to the invention, on one hand, the layout area and circuit transient power consumption can be effectively reduced, and the requirement of the array type SPAD for a power supply source is reduced; on the other hand, the quenching time can be shortened, the detection speed is accelerated, and the non-ideal effects are reduced; and at the same time, a monostable circuit is realized by use of a mode of an external capacitor, and the reset pulse width time can be flexibly adjusted for performance different detectors.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a compact detection and quenching circuit applied to an array type single photon avalanche diode, which belongs to the technical field of semiconductors. Background technique [0002] Single photon detection technology is a detection technology based on single photon, which can detect extremely weak light signals, and it is a new detection technology developed in recent years. It can be used in medical diagnosis, astronomical observation, national defense and military, spectral measurement, quantum electronics and other fields. Avalanche Photo Diode (APD) working in Geiger mode is the most widely used single photon detector. [0003] When the APD works in Geiger mode, the reverse bias voltage is higher than its avalanche voltage, and it has extremely high current gain and can detect single photons, so it is called single photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD). When the SPAD senses a single photon, the photon is absorbed in the de...

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Problems solved by technology

[0006] 2. In large array applications, the number of pixel circuits increases exponentially, and the increase in power consumption of a single pixel circuit will have a great impact on the entire chip

Most of the existing quenching circuits are designed based on resistance detection. However, the use of passive components such as resistors will expand the layout area and increase transient power consumption, which is not conducive to large-scale integration.

A small number of quenching circuits based on capacitance detection are difficult to apply to arrays due to complex structures, large areas, or problems with charge sharing.

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