Photon counting module based on InGaAs/InP Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes for near-infrared counting up to 1.7 µm

InGaAs/InP Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) have good performance to be successfully employed in many applications that demand single photon detection in the 1 - 1.7 μm wavelength range. However, in order to fully exploit such detectors, they have to be operated in optimized working conditions using 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 includes a pulse generator for gating the detector, a front-end circuit for avalanche sensing, a fast circuitry for detector quenching and resetting and some sub-circuits for signal conditioning. Experimental measurements prove the state-of-the-art performance and its great flexibility to fit the different applications.