Very High Gain and Low Noise Near Infrared Single Photon Counting Detectors and Arrays

Amplification Technologies Inc ("ATI") proposes to develop the enabling material and device technology for the design of ultra low noise, high gain and low cross-talk & after pulsing near-infrared single photon counting photodetectors and photodetector arrays sensitive in the eyesafe wavelengths of 1550 nm and 1800 nm spectral region for remote and atmospheric sensing applications, based on the already proven mechanism of internal discrete amplification technology. We plan to achieve this by integrating the internal discrete amplification device design that gave promising results and proved the concept of internal discrete amplification mechanism in the InP material system. The primary accomplishments from the Phase I effort would be the development of ultra low noise, high gain, low noise and low cross-talk & after pulsing near-infrared photodetectors and photodetector arrays sensitive in the 1550 nm and 1800 nm spectral region. The technology of internal discrete amplification enables the combination of high speed, very high gain and ultra low noise. This is possible because the internal discrete amplification nullifies the effect of impact ionization coefficients and prevents the edge break down, with high quantum efficiency and high speed of operation. These photodetectors can be used in eye-safe Lidar/Ladar, atmospheric sensing, 3D imaging, missile seekers, battlefield target identification and recognition system. Potential civilian applications include fiber-optic telecommunications, remote sensing and laser spectroscopy.

In addition to Lidar systems and atmospheric sensing, the detectors could potentially be modified for use in traditional fiber optical communications at 1.55 µm. Because of better performance parameters, they could, for example, replace such current solutions as InGaAs avalanche photodiodes used in fiber optical telecommunications. This represents a very significant commercial market. Military applications could also make use of high speed, sensitive photodetectors operating at 1.55 µm to 1.80 µm wavelengths

NASA is working on the development of Lidar systems for wind direction measurement, surface topography as well as atmospheric sensing, and optical communication technologies for such applications as deep space to ground communication links, intersatellite links, Earth orbiting to ground, networking formation flying spacecraft, and others

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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