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Cranbury, N.J., September 12, 2005
Princeton Lightwave Inc. (PLI), a producer of
near infrared high power diode lasers, infrared
detectors and optical sub-systems for sensing,
communications and defense, has introduced a new InGaAs/InP
single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) with applications
in the scientific, communications, and medical markets.
PLI’s SPAD is the first commercially available
device designed and optimized specifically for high
performance photon counting in applications where
extremely low light levels require the capability to
detect single photons. These applications include
quantum information processing, long-range light
detection and ranging (lidar), long-range terrestrial
and satellite free-space communications, semiconductor
diagnostics, biomedical fluorescence in the near
infrared, scientific instrumentation and quantum
cryptography for secure communications.
PLI’s SPAD has been designed to meet the stringent
requirements of single photon counting applications
where it is necessary to drastically reduce the dark or
false counts which degrade measurement accuracy. Most of
the instrumentation and commercial applications for
SPADs have used standard commercially available linear
mode avalanche photodiodes (APDs) designed for use in
fiber optic receivers. To detect single photons, devices
are operating above their breakdown voltage, in the
so-called “Geiger mode” for which a single photon
can initiate a macroscopic current pulse. Standard
linear mode APDs were never intentionally optimized for
photon counting and Geiger mode operation.
“During PLI’s SPAD development program, we have
worked with partners that have years of experience in
single photon counting applications,” said Mark Itzler,
Chief Technical Officer. “With the benefit of their
feedback, we have designed photon counting devices that
provide an optimal combination of extremely low dark
count rates, high single photon detection efficiency,
and very low timing jitter. To our knowledge, these
devices provide the best 1.5 micron photon counting
performance commercially available.”
About Princeton Lightwave, Inc.
Headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, PLI provides
leading edge semiconductor lasers and detectors, and
sub-systems based on these components for optical
communications, defense, and sensing applications. PLI's
extensive product capability is based upon unique InP
and GaAs optical chip development, packaging and
integration technology, and system-level optical and
electronics design. Its multi-disciplinary team designs
and delivers components and system-level products based
on high power pump modules, single-mode and multi-mode
light sources, and high performance detector arrays and
discrete devices.
For more information visit http://www.princetonlightwave.com
Contact: pr@princetonlightwave.com
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