Characterization of a Single Photon Sensing Detector for Astrophysics
Abstract
We report characterization results for a new single photon sensing detector. The megapixel device is made of silicon and is sensitive to UV and optical light. Unlike other single photon sensing detector arrays, such as those based on avalanche photodiodes, its pixels have high fill factor and can distinguish photon number. It can operate at room temperature, as opposed to deep cryogenic temperatures required by superconducting single photon sensing detectors. We present measurements of read noise, dark current, persistence, and quantum efficiency. We compare the results to requirements of astrophysics missions. Eric Fossum, and collaborators at Dartmouth College, designed and initially characterized the detector. Gigajot Technology made the camera. The RIT Center for Detectors obtained the data presented in this paper. This work is funded by a NASA Strategic Astrophysics Technology grant.
- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #235
- Pub Date:
- January 2020
- Bibcode:
- 2020AAS...23515002F