Semiconductor refrigeration type SPAD single-photon detector

Abstract

The invention provides a semiconductor refrigeration type SPAD single-photon detector. A digital temperature sensor uploads the actual temperature of a refrigeration module to a single-chip microcomputer module in real time, and calculation is carried out by using an algorithm written into a single-chip microcomputer according to the difference between the target working temperature and the actual temperature set by an interaction module to obtain an enable signal to control on-off of the relay to control the working time of the TEC refrigeration module so as to achieve the function of temperature control. The single-chip microcomputer module outputs pulses to control quenching and recovery of the detection module, so that the temperature control and quenching circuit is integrated, the SPAD performance is prevented from being affected by too high avalanche temperature, the parameters can be adjusted through software with more convenience and rapidness. Meanwhile, a TEC driving chip is not needed, a detection circuit and temperature control are controlled through a single-chip microcomputer and other electronic elements, the circuit structure is simplified, and the manufacturing and maintenance cost is reduced.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of single photon detection, in particular to a semiconductor cooling type SPAD single photon detector. Background technique [0002] Single-photon detection technology has broad application prospects in the fields of national defense, industry, and civil life, such as: fluorescence lifetime imaging, radar ranging, three-dimensional vision systems, and quantum key learning. Single photon avalanche diode (single photon avalanche photodiode, referred to as SPAD), as a kind of core device for single photon detection, has attracted more and more attention and attention of researchers. The single photon avalanche diode in Geiger mode is a detector that can detect extremely weak light signals. It has large internal gain, high sensitivity, fast response speed, high detection efficiency, low noise, small size, strong structure and easy integration. Etc. With the continuous expansion of the application field of sing...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] 1. Frequent changes in the direction of the current will cause damage to the semiconductor refrigeration chip, it is difficult to ensure long-term normal operation, and even cause damage to the SPAD

[0006] 2. The TEC drive chip cannot load a large current, which will limit the cooling effect, and at the same time, the consumption of infinitely adjustable power is also greater

[0007] 3. The refrigeration circuit and quenching circuit of the single photon detector are independent of each other. When the refrigeration module stops unexpectedly, the SPAD dark count rate will increase sharply, affecting its signal-to-noise ratio

Images