Photon Detection Light Receiving Device Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) face issues with noise due to high-voltage application and significant communication delays in mesh-type network communication due to pulse dead time, which affects the reliability and speed of optical wireless communication.
Innovation Solution
A photon detection light receiving device is designed with a photon detection avalanche photodiode operated in a linear mode using a quenching resistor and capacitor, reducing the reverse bias voltage below the breakdown voltage to minimize noise and shorten communication delays, with specific configurations for resistance, capacitance, and wavelength to achieve optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a reverse bias voltage higher than breakdown voltage is applied to achieve single-photon detection capability, then photon detection sensitivity is improved, but noise due to high-voltage application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from above breakdown voltage (conventional SPAD operation) to below breakdown voltage, thereby maintaining photon detection capability while reducing high-voltage-induced noise. This parameter change allows the APD to operate in a regime where avalanche multiplication occurs but excessive noise from high-voltage application is minimized.
2Measurement precision
If Geiger mode operation with reverse bias voltage above breakdown voltage is used to detect single photons, then photon counting capability is improved, but pulse dead time increases causing communication delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from above breakdown voltage to below breakdown voltage, which fundamentally alters the avalanche dynamics. This reduces the pulse dead time from several hundred nanoseconds to significantly shorter durations, enabling faster photon detection and reducing communication delays in mesh-type network applications.
3Measurement precision
If avalanche breakdown is used for single-photon detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but the avalanche amplification function is unavailable during dead time
Solution Approach 1:
By operating below breakdown voltage, the patent creates a more sustainable avalanche process that recovers faster. The reduced electric field strength allows charge carriers to be cleared more quickly from the depletion region, restoring the avalanche amplification function sooner and reducing the duration of unavailability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively reduces noise and communication delays, enhancing the reliability and speed of mesh-type network communication by minimizing the dead time of the photon detection device, allowing for faster data transmission in optical wireless communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
an avalanche photodiode (APD) utilizing avalanche yield (avalanche breakdown) is widely used as a high-sensitivity light receiving device. The avalanche breakdown is a phenomenon in which a large current flows by an acceleration of free electrons in an electric field to repeatedly cause collision ionization one after another
Implementation Method 2
a phenomenon in which a large current flows by an acceleration of free electrons in an electric field to repeatedly cause collision ionization one after another
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are: a photon detection light-receiving device with which it is possible to avoid malfunctions caused by the application of high voltages, and to shorten the delays in communication time in mesh-type network communication; and a communication apparatus equipped with the photon detection light-receiving device. The photon detection light-receiving device has a photon detection APD, a quenching resistor and a capacitor, with one end of the quenching resistor and one end of the capacitor being connected to one terminal of the photon detection APD. The optical wireless communication apparatus comprises: a housing; a photon detection light-receiving device that generates an electrical signal from received light; a receiving unit that generates a reception data signal using an electrical signal from the photon detection light-receiving device; a transmission unit that generates an electrical signal using a transmission data signal; a light emitting device into which the electrical signal from the transmission unit is input and generates transmission light; and an optical wireless communication controller that generates transmission data or reception data corresponding to the protocol of an external apparatus.