Asynchronous Geiger-mode photon counting arrays for deep space optical communications

Long range laser optical communications offer advantages of higher bandwidth and better accuracy over RF communications. NASA has demonstrated higher bandwidth data transmission using laser optical communication links. Recently, MIT-LL designed and delivered highly sensitive Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (Gm-APD) array receiver as a flight unit for the NASAs deep space communication demonstrationprogram. For many future missions, improvement in detection efficiency, radiation hardness, larger format and space qualifiable Gm-APD photon counting array receivers are needed. We propose a space qualifiable 1064 nm InGaAsP Gm-APD photon counting array receiver with improved photon detection efficiency (PDE). PDE will be improved by increasing the quantum efficiency using reflective layers and increasing the carrier avalanche probability. Our mesa design with a proprietary passivation process offers low dark count rates and improved radiation hardness, In Phase I we demonstrated improved quantum efficiency and a1064 nm InGaAsP Gm-APD photon counting array sensor chip assembly using high detection efficiency arrays. Furthermore, demonstrated the technical feasibility improved data rate using a InGaAsP Gm-APD receiver array. In Phase II, we will design, build, and demonstrate a radiation hard 32 x 32 photon counting array receiver with improvedsensitivity. We will conduct radiation tests to demonstrate improved radiation hardness.We will deliver an engineering development unit to NASA for evaluation. In addition, we will deliver a flight ready receiver design that will meet specifications for a space mission. NASA next generation laser optical communication receivers require higher detection efficiency, larger array format, space qualified detector arrays, and higher radiation tolerant receiver electronics. Our proposed 1064 nm Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode array receiver offers higher sensitivity due to improved detection efficiency, small pitch large format arrays due to mesa design, higher radiation tolerance detectors due to reliable mesa passivation layers. The improved sensitivity will enhance beam alignment, improve bit error rate, higher bandwidth, and better accuracy at low laser power levels. The major technical objective of this proposal is to develop a high-performance space qualifiable 1064 nm photon counting array receiver for NASA’s long range optical communications missions. The major objectives of Phase II proposal are a) demonstrate high sensitivity (PDE >45%, DCR <5kHz, and cross talk <5%) 32 x 32 Gm-APD photon counting arrays, b) demonstrate rad-hard photon counting arrays with high sensitivity, c) demonstrate data rate >1Mb/s with error rate about 1 e-15, and d) deliver a lab-grade prototype camera to NASA for a laboratory demonstration.

NASA applications include deep space optical communications missions, future space missions to earth's moon, Mars, and humans to Mars. Other potential applications include LIDAR for entry, descent, and landing sensor systems, autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations. There has been considerable interest in military and commercial space LaserComm applications. Potential military applications include tracking and identification of hypersonic missiles, beam control sensors for high power laser weapons, vibrometry, direct detection LADAR, and synthetic aperture LADAR.

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