Breadboard of Microchip Laser and Avalanche Photodiode in Geiger and Linear Mode for LiDAR Applications

Autor: Ana de Sousa, Rafael Pinto, Bruno Couto, Beltran Nadal, Hugo Onderwater, Paulo Gordo, Manuel Abreu, Rui Melicio, Patrick Michel
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2023
Předmět:
Zdroj: Applied Sciences, Vol 13, Iss 9, p 5631 (2023)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2076-3417
DOI: 10.3390/app13095631
Popis: This paper reports the implementation of two critical technologies used in light detection and ranging for space applications: (1) a microchip Q-switched laser breadboard; (2) a breadboard of an indium gallium arsenide avalanche photodiode working at 292 K with high reverse polarization voltages. Microchip Q-switched lasers are small solid-state back-pumped lasers that can generate high-energy short pulses. The implemented breadboard used an erbium and ytterbium co-doped phosphate glass, a Co:Spinel crystal with 98% initial transparency, and an output coupler with 98% reflectivity. For the sensor test, a system for simultaneous operation in vacuum and a wide range of temperatures was developed. Avalanche photodiodes are reverse-polarized photodiodes with high internal gain due to their multiple layer composition, capable of building up high values of photocurrent from small optical signals by exploiting the avalanche breakdown effects. The test avalanche photodetector was assembled to be operated in two modes: linear and Geiger mode. The produced photocurrent was measured by using: (1) a passive quenching circuit; (2) a transimpedance amplifier circuit. These two technologies are important for mobile light detection and ranging applications due to their low mass and high efficiencies. The paper describes the breadboard’s implementation methods and sensor characterization at low and room temperatures with high bias voltages (beyond breakdown voltage).
Databáze: Directory of Open Access Journals