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Researchers enhance avalanche photodiodes design for ultraviolet detection

Source Decision Insights Signals Published November 6, 2025 Mentions 1 company

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Researchers developed a numerical model aimed at optimizing the design of avalanche photodiodes (APDs) for detecting ultraviolet photons.

Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes (GM-APDs) constructed from 4H-SiC demonstrate high single-photon detection efficiency in deep-ultraviolet wavelengths. For effective detection of near-ultraviolet photons, a higher quantum efficiency is necessary. However, increasing the thickness of absorber layers poses design challenges due to the different absorption characteristics of lower-energy photons.

In a recent study published in the IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics, Jonathan Schuster from the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory presented a numerical model with a calibrated 4H-SiC material library aimed at improving APD design.

“APDs with much thicker absorber layers must be utilized to enhance the near-ultraviolet response, which necessitates switching from a conventional PIN architecture to a separate-absorption charge-multiplication architecture,” Schuster said. Homomorphic Encryption (HE) noted that this transition introduces unique design challenges.

The researchers designed separate-absorption charge-multiplication structures expected to achieve high single-photon detection efficiency in the near-ultraviolet spectrum. They evaluated two designs: non-reach-through (NRT) and reach-through (RT), each with specific design implications.

“We have designed both types of architectures: NRT-SACM APDs and RT-SACM APDs, achieving quantum efficiency at 340 nm of 32% and 71% respectively, while maintaining the required electric field in the multiplication layer for Geiger-mode operation,” Schuster explained.

Applications of 4H-SiC avalanche photodiodes include solar-blind ultraviolet detection, combustion monitoring, and environmental ultraviolet monitoring. The developed model is expected to aid in the design of sensitive and efficient APDs, thus advancing these applications.

Press release, originally published at Cision.

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5th source this quarter, one of 10 sources referencing IEEE. Previous coverage: Weekly Intelligence Brief on developments in AI and networking technologies - Week of November 3, 2025 (November).