Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes for high time resolution astrophysics

Geiger-mode Avalanche Photodiodes (GM-APDs) are establishing themselves as potential candidates for the broad temporal range covered in high time resolution astrophysics (HTRA). These detectors have already been employed in astronomical instrumentation and significant results have been obtained to date. Their high time resolution and quantum efficiency make these single photon event counting detectors ideal for observations of stochastic phenomena, and ultimately for extreme HTRA observations. In this chapter, we review the technology and to illustrate their potential we briefly touch on specific science goals and astronomical applications. We then focus on the fabrication and characterisation of GM-APDs, and discuss the development and challenges posed in designing array devices.