Photon Detector Using Periodic Waveform for Single Photon Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light sensors struggle to detect single photons efficiently, particularly in the random arrival of single photons, as they often fail to maintain a high detection rate due to limitations in their operational voltage ranges and duty cycles.
Innovation Solution
A photon detector article comprising a multiplication region and an absorption region, subjected to a primary waveform with specific voltage conditions, allows for the detection of single photons by maintaining charge carriers in the absorption region and producing a signal pulse when the voltage exceeds the breakdown voltage, thereby increasing the duty cycle and enhancing detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sensors are biased to detect all incident photons continuously, then detection coverage is maximized, but single photon detection capability is lost due to saturation or damage threshold limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a pulsed waveform with alternating voltage levels. The waveform switches between a first voltage level (below breakdown voltage) that maintains charge carriers in the absorption region and a second voltage level (above breakdown voltage) that enables single photon detection. This periodic switching allows the sensor to alternate between accumulation mode and detection mode, resolving the contradiction between continuous detection coverage and single photon sensitivity.
2Reliability
If specialized sensors are designed to detect single photons, then single photon detection is enabled, but detection of random photon arrivals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamics by making the sensor's operating state variable through the time-varying waveform. The sensor dynamically transitions between two operational states: a low-voltage state that accumulates charge carriers for upcoming photons and a high-voltage state that detects them. This dynamic adaptation allows the sensor to handle random photon arrivals effectively, as the waveform timing can be adjusted to capture photons regardless of their arrival pattern.
3Reliability
If the sensor is biased below breakdown voltage to maintain charge carriers, then charge carrier retention is improved, but single photon signal generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic waveform alternates between voltage levels to sequentially achieve charge carrier retention and signal generation. During the first voltage phase, carriers are retained in the absorption region. During the second voltage phase, the same region generates detectable signals from incident photons. This temporal separation resolves the contradiction between retention and signal generation.
4Speed
If the sensor operates continuously at high voltage for detection, then detection speed is maximized, but charge carrier accumulation is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic waveform creates alternating phases: a low-voltage accumulation phase where charge carriers build up in the absorption region, and a high-voltage detection phase where photons are detected rapidly. This rhythmic switching ensures both sufficient carrier accumulation and high-speed detection occur in sequence, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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 enables the detection of single photons with high sensitivity and efficiency, even during inter-gate periods, significantly improving the photon detection rate compared to conventional sensors that only detect photons during specific voltage gates.
Implementation Method 1
a photon absorption region; receiving, by the photon detector, a single photon
Implementation Method 2
a multiplication region; a second voltage that is greater than the breakdown voltage; producing, by the photon detector, a photon detector waveform including a signal pulse
Data Source
AI summary
A photon detector article includes a photon detector configured to receive a primary waveform, the photon detector includes a multiplication region; a photon absorption region; a punch through voltage range; and a breakdown voltage; a source in electrical communication with the photon detector and configured to provide the primary waveform that includes a first voltage that is: less than a maximum value of the punch through voltage range, or effective to maintain a charge carrier in the absorption region; and a second voltage that is greater than the breakdown voltage; and a reference member in electrical communication with the source and configured to provide a reference waveform in response to receiving the primary waveform.