Wide-band frequency response measurements of photodetectors using low-level photocurrent noise detection

Abstract

We report a novel measurement technique for the wide-band determination of the frequency response of photodetectors. It is based upon the accurate measurement of the photocurrent noise spectra under illumination with a light-emitting diode. The high sensitivity of −200 dBm/Hz within a frequency regime from 10 MHz to 1.6 GHz renders it particularly attractive for investigating the response behavior at low optical input levels and for characterizing frequency-dependent gain phenomena. The practical potential of the method is illustrated by applying it to various types of InGaAs-based photodetectors (p-i-n and avalanche photodiodes and metal-semiconductor-metal photodetectors).

Avalanche Photodiodes in High-Speed Receiver Systems

“…The system proposed by Xie et al (1993) is similar to that proposed by Toivonen et al (Toivonen et al, 1992). The APD is connected to a micro-strip line and DC voltage is applied via a bias tee.…”

“…Insufficient information is provided to estimate this system's figures of merit so it is excluded from the comparison. Xie et al (1993) proposed a measurement system that was substantially similar to Toivonen et al (1992). The Xie et al (1993) system represents both.…”

“…Xie et al (1993) proposed a measurement system that was substantially similar to Toivonen et al (1992). The Xie et al (1993) system represents both. Bulman (1983), Ando and Kanbe (1981) and Lau et al (2006) presented systems based on phase sensitive detection.…”

“…Bulman (1983), Ando and Kanbe (1981) and Lau et al (2006) presented systems based on phase sensitive detection. Xie et al (1993) and Toivonen et al (1992) used a DC approach. Figure 2 shows the system reported by Bulman (1983).…”

“…This upper limit can be increased by using heterodyne methods. Xie's system (Xie et al, 1993) was limited to 1.3GHz maximum measurement frequency and 4MHz noise measurement bandwidth. The measurement is, in principle, quicker than a PSD system.…”