Innovative photon counting receivers for bio-photonic & QKD applications

Epitaxial Technologies' overall objective is to develop high gain and low noise APD photoreceiver suitable for high detection probability single photon counting at room temperature over the 450 to 1550-nm spectral band. Specifically, we will develop compact and low cost single photon receiver in single-pixel and array formats with photon detection efficiency (PDE), dark count rate (DCR) and timing jitter of 80%, 1000 counts/sec and 50 psec respectively. The proposed technology will be based on material structure and detector innovations that enable high gain and ultra-low excess noise APDs, with the capability for GHz bandwidth. In Phase I, we will refine detector designs, and investigate new material structures, processing techniques and fabricate detectors and photoreceivers, and demonstrate the required PDE, DCR, jitter and bandwidth for the APDs. In addition, we will assemble and test hybrid-integrated receivers and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed single photon receivers. In Phase II, we will design the single photon receiver to meet or exceed the PDE, DCR, bandwidth and quantum efficiency specifications. We will integrate the TIAs with APD devices and demonstrate monolithic single-chip receivers meeting the specifications to detect single photon emissions from biological specimens, quantum encryption networks and ladar transmitters.