G-APD arrays——a three dimensional imaging detector with single photon sensitivity

A novel photonics detector arrays consisted of Geiger-mode avalanche photodiodes(G-APD) was introduced.The key techniques,device developments and system integration of this new image detector were emphasized.A G-APD array detector has two outstanding characters:single photon sensitivity and pico-second resolving power,which makes the detector very suitable for the weak optical signal 3-D imaging.On the other hand,the G-APD array detector is all-solid state photonics detection device.It has small size,light weight and high reliability,and it can be mass manufactured with nowadays matured micro photonics device process.Therefore,G-APD array is a great advantage at the array photonics detector development,and it will be applied widely in the advanced photonics imaging area.