Scalable and Broad Spectrum Photodetectors based on Heterogeneous Integration for VIS and NIR Applications

High-energy physics research supported by our government requires innovative new approaches for detection and characterization of subatomic particles. Future experiments to be conducted at particle colliders will rely on precise calorimetry measurements to better understand collision events between electrons and positrons. There is an initiative to develop new dual readout calorimeters that can simultaneously detect two types of light generated by collisions resulting in state of the art electromagnetic and jet resolution. Improved resolution means better signal quality, enabling more precise measurements with fewer experiments. Advancements in detector technologies directly drive the discovery potential in high energy physics experiments. A key component of the new calorimeters is a relatively large array of photodetectors sensitive to the visible and near-infrared range. This range is ideal for accurately measuring hyper-relativistic signals with minimal interference from scintillation light because scintillating crystals in this range are highly transparent. The photodetectors must be fast, with a response time of about a billionth of a second, and capable of detecting signals as low as one hundred photons with efficiency and accuracy. Since calorimeters require millions of detectors, it is important that they are cost-effective for practical deployment. Currently, there are no detectors with these specific properties, and our company plans to develop them as part of this program. The outcome of this program will be to produce avalanche photodiode arrays based on a unique technology of growing compound semiconductor materials on large diameter substrates such as silicon. This approach allows for the cost-effective production of large arrays of photodiodes. The semiconductor materials can be engineered to absorb light specifically in the desired wavelength range, and the design and operation of the photodetector arrays will be fine-tuned to meet performance goals. In Phase I of the program, the focus will be on producing high-performance photodiodes, including single elements or small arrays, designed for cost-effective manufacturing. These devices will undergo testing to assess their sensitivity, noise levels, and speed, and will be compared to existing technology used in high-energy physics experiments. Phase II will involve further optimization of device performance and the eventual production of large detector arrays for integration and testing within the dual readout calorimeter. Additionally, the arrays can be integrated directly with read-out electronics to improve functionality. The development of these photodiode arrays will significantly enhance the capability to conduct high-energy physics experiments. These arrays will have applications in various other commercial markets, including autonomous driving, geo-mapping, astronomy, gas sensing, quantum computing, quantum communications, and ophthalmology.