InGaAs avalanche photodiode arrays for simultaneous communications and tracking

Mike S. Ferraro; Rita Mahon; William S. Rabinovich; Wade T. Freeman; James L. Murphy; Peter G. Goetz; Harris R. Burris; Christopher I. Moore; Linda M. Thomas; William R. Clark; William D. Waters

doi:10.1117/12.895116

14 September 2011 InGaAs avalanche photodiode arrays for simultaneous communications and tracking

Mike S. Ferraro, Rita Mahon, William S. Rabinovich, Wade T. Freeman, James L. Murphy, Peter G. Goetz, Harris R. Burris, Christopher I. Moore, Linda M. Thomas, William R. Clark, William D. Waters

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8162, Free-Space and Atmospheric Laser Communications XI; 81620D (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.895116
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Free space optical communication uses photodetectors for two purposes: as communications receivers and, in the form of a quadrant cell or a position sensitive detector, for tracking. Generally two separate detectors are used. In this work we describe combining these functions into one device through the use of heterostructure avalanche photodiode (APD) arrays. Combined functionality more efficiently uses the available light and allows for large area communications detector arrays that maintain the bandwidth and sensitivity of smaller, single-element, devices. In this paper we describe a prototype 2x2 arrays and associated electronics and processing. The design tradeoffs in balancing both functions are explored and future geometries that are more effective than square arrays are described.

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Mike S. Ferraro, Rita Mahon, William S. Rabinovich, Wade T. Freeman, James L. Murphy, Peter G. Goetz, Harris R. Burris, Christopher I. Moore, Linda M. Thomas, William R. Clark, and William D. Waters "InGaAs avalanche photodiode arrays for simultaneous communications and tracking", Proc. SPIE 8162, Free-Space and Atmospheric Laser Communications XI, 81620D (14 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.895116

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