High gain and low excess noise near infrared single photon avalanche detector

We present the discrete amplification approach used for development of a very high gain and low excess noise factor in the near infrared wavelength region. The devices have the following performance characteristics: gain > 2X10(5), excess noise factor < 1.05, rise time < 350ps, fall time < 500ps and operating voltage < 60V. In the photon counting mode, the devices can be operated in the non-gated mode under a constant DC bias and do not require any external quenching circuit. These devices are ideal for researchers in the fields of deep space optical communication, spectroscopy, industrial and scientific instrumentation, Ladar/Lidar, quantum cryptography, night vision and other military, defense and aerospace applications.