Red-Enhanced Photon Detection Module Featuring a $32 \times 1$ Single-Photon Avalanche Diode Array

Abstract

In this letter, the development and the experimental characterization of a new photon detection module, based on a 32×1 red-enhanced single-photon avalanche diode (RE-SPAD) array, are presented. A custom-developed technology has been exploited to design a detector having large-area pixels (50-µm diameter) with optimized performance. With an excess bias voltage = 15 V, a photon detection efficiency as high as 57% at 600 nm (33% at 800 nm) is achieved, along with dark count rate in the kHz range and optical crosstalk probability as low as 0.29%. The remarkable detection efficiency of the RE-SPAD array makes the module particularly suitable for all applications where high detection efficiency in the red/near-infrared range is mandatory. As an example, the performance of the array module is demonstrated to match the demanding requirements of multispot single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy.

Recent Advances and Future Perspectives of Single‐Photon Avalanche Diodes for Quantum Photonics Applications

“…RE‐SPAD arrays based on this approach have been demonstrated up to a format of 32 × 1, with a separation pitch again of 250 µm. [ 110 ] Moreover, the same problem described for the n+ isolation diffusion affects also the p+ sinker, that does not reach the p+ buried layer. This problem results in a higher series resistance of the SPAD that can slow down the avalanche current growth and, in turn, impair the temporal jitter.…”

High-throughput smFRET analysis of freely diffusing nucleic acid molecules and associated proteins

“…A setup incorporating two linear 32-SPAD arrays fabricated with a red-enhanced technology with better sensitivity [43], is currently under development for applications involving microfluidic mixers and will be described in a future publication.…”

“…In particular, these values are 20 − 50% smaller than the most common SPAD detector used in single-spot smFRET measurements (SPCM-AQR, Excelitas Technology Corp., Waltham, MA) [33]. SPAD arrays fabricated with a red-enhanced technology with better sensitivity in the red region of the spectrum [44,43] are currently being evaluated in our laboratory, and will reduce the performance gap between donor and acceptor detection efficiency.…”

High-throughput smFRET analysis of freely diffusing nucleic acid molecules and associated proteins

“…In particular, these values are 20 to 50% smaller than the most common SPAD detector used in single-spot smFRET measurements (SPCM-AQR, Excelitas Technology Corp., Waltham, MA) [33]. SPAD arrays fabricated with a red-enhanced technology with better sensitivity in the red region of the spectrum [44,43] are currently being evaluated in our laboratory, and will reduce the performance gap between donor and acceptor detection efficiency. 8…”