Document Type
Article
Language
eng
Publication Date
2012
Publisher
Optical Society of America Publishing
Source Publication
Optics Express
Source ISSN
1094-4087
Abstract
Novel theory is developed for the avalanche multiplication process in avalanche photodiodes (APDs) under time-varying reverse-biasing conditions. Integral equations are derived characterizing the statistics of the multiplication factor and the impulse-response function of APDs, as well as their breakdown probability, all under the assumption that the electric field driving the avalanche process is time varying and spatially nonuniform. Numerical calculations generated by the model predict that by using a bit-synchronous sinusoidal biasing scheme to operate the APD in an optical receiver, the pulse-integrated gain-bandwidth product can be improved by a factor of 5 compared to the same APD operating under the conventional static biasing. The bit-synchronized periodic modulation of the electric field in the multiplication region serves to (1) produce large avalanche multiplication factors with suppressed avalanche durations for photons arriving in the early phase of each optical pulse; and (2) generate low avalanche gains and very short avalanche durations for photons arriving in the latter part of each optical pulse. These two factors can work together to reduce intersymbol interference in optical receivers without sacrificing sensitivity.
Recommended Citation
Hayat, Majeed M. and Ramirez, David A., "Multiplication theory for dynamically biased avalanche photodiodes: new limits for gain bandwidth product" (2012). Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications. 569.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/electric_fac/569
ADA Accessible Version.
Comments
Accepted version. Optics Express, Vol. 20, No. 7 (2012): 8024-8040. DOI. This article is © 2012 Optical Society of America Publishing. Used with permission.
Majeed M. Hayat was affiliated with University of New Mexico, Albuquerque at the time of publication.