Geiger-Mode SiGe Receiver for Long-Range Optical Communications

The objective of this program is to develop, demonstrate and implement a 1550-nm sensitive photon-counting detector array with monolithically integrated time-tagging electronics, suitable for free-space optical communications, where high data volume returns from space missions are critical, such as in the Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) and other future NASA missions. Conventional photon counting detector arrays are implemented in either Silicon (Si) or Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe), negating detection at 1550 nm in the case of Si or incurring high cost and complexity for HgCdTe. In this program, Freedom Photonics will partner with the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) and Arizona State University (ASU) to develop a novel Geiger-mode Avalanche Photodiode (APD) arrayreceiver for photon counting applications with sensitivity for wavelengths in the range from 1000 nm to 1600 nm, which utilizes standard CMOS processing for electronics, coupled with selective growth of APDs in the SiGeSn materials system, resulting in a low-cost, high-sensitivity, high-speed and radiation hard receiver for long-range optical communications.