SiPM Sensor Dummy Pixel for High-Intensity Light Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) sensors in LIDAR systems face performance degradation and noise due to high-intensity light, causing prolonged output and interference from carriers generated outside the sensor area, which affects distance measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dummy Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) with a light shielding layer and adjusting impurity concentrations to increase breakdown voltage and quenching efficiency, reducing carrier accumulation and noise by directing excess carriers to a specific electric potential or preventing light incidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a silicon photomultiplier element (SiPM) is used to detect light, then sensitivity is improved, but output continues for a longer time under high intensity light causing noise and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple pixels, with at least one dummy pixel added alongside the functional pixels. This segmentation allows the dummy pixel to absorb excess carriers generated under high intensity light, preventing them from affecting the output of functional pixels and reducing prolonged output duration.
Solution Approach 2:
A dummy pixel acts as an intermediary element that receives and processes excess carriers generated during high intensity light detection. By providing this intermediate pathway, the dummy pixel prevents carrier accumulation in functional pixels, thereby reducing noise and shortening output duration without compromising the sensitivity of the main sensor.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If light shielding is added to prevent carrier generation, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy pixel is integrated into the existing sensor array structure, merging the noise reduction function with the existing pixel architecture. This approach reduces noise from carrier generation without significantly increasing device complexity, as the dummy pixel uses the same structural design as functional pixels and shares common fabrication processes.
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 stable operation and reduced performance degradation even under high-intensity light conditions, improving signal-to-noise ratio and enabling early completion of electric signal output for accurate distance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first avalanche photodiode... a second avalanche photodiode
Implementation Method 2
the second end of the first quenching device is connected to a pixel terminal... the second end of the second quenching device is connected to an electric potential
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a first avalanche photodiode, a first quenching element, a second avalanche photodiode, and a second quenching element. The first quenching element is connected to a current output terminal of the first avalanche photodiode at one end and is connected to an output terminal at another end. The second avalanche photodiode is arranged adjacent to the first avalanche photodiode. The second quenching element is connected to a current output terminal of the second avalanche photodiode at one end and is connected to a specific electric potential at another end.