Compact detection module based on InGaAs/InP SPADs for near-infrared single-photon counting up to 1.7 µm

InGaAs/InP Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) have good enough performance to be successfully employed in many applications that demand to detect single photons in the 1 – 1.7 μm wavelength range. However, in order to fully exploit such InGaAs/InP SPADs, it is mandatory to operate them in optimized working conditions by means of dedicated electronics. We present the design and experimental characterization of a high-performance compact detection module able to operate at best InGaAs/InP SPADs. The module contains a pulse generator for gating the detector, a front-end circuit for avalanche sensing, a fast circuitry for detector quenching and resetting, a counting electronics, and some subcircuits for signal conditioning. Experimental measurements prove the state-of-the-art performance and its great flexibility to adapt it to the different applications.