Ultra-low noise single-photon detector based on Si avalanche photodiode

Abstract

We report operation and characterization of a lab-assembled single-photon detector based on commercial silicon avalanche photodiodes (PerkinElmer C30902SH, C30921SH). Dark count rate as low as 5Hz was achieved by cooling the photodiodes down to -80 degrees C. While afterpulsing increased as the photodiode temperature was decreased, total afterpulse probability did not become significant due to detector's relatively long deadtime in a passively-quenched scheme. We measured photon detection efficiency >50% at 806 nm. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3641294]