SBIR-STTR Award

Epitaxial Technologies' overall objective is to develop high gain and low noise APD photoreceiver suitable for high detection probability single photon counting at room temperature over the 450 to 1550-nm spectral band. Specifically, we will develop compact and low cost single photon receiver in single-pixel and array formats with photon detection efficiency (PDE), dark count rate (DCR) and timing jitter of 80%, 1000 counts/sec and 50 psec respectively. The proposed technology will be based on material structure and detector innovations that enable high gain and ultra-low excess noise APDs, with the capability for GHz bandwidth. In Phase I, we will refine detector designs, and investigate new material structures, processing techniques and fabricate detectors and photoreceivers, and demonstrate the required PDE, DCR, jitter and bandwidth for the APDs. In addition, we will assemble and test hybrid-integrated receivers and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed single photon receivers. In Phase II, we will design the single photon receiver to meet or exceed the PDE, DCR, bandwidth and quantum efficiency specifications. We will integrate the TIAs with APD devices and demonstrate monolithic single-chip receivers meeting the specifications to detect single photon emissions from biological specimens, quantum encryption networks and ladar transmitters.

Keywords:
Single Photon Detection, Avalanche Photodiode, Bio-Photonic Sensor, Qkd Secure Communication Receiver, Ladar Imaging.

The overall objective of the proposed SBIR program is to develop ultra low noise avalanche photodiodes (APDs) with high multiplication gain that will enable for the first time photoreceivers with high single photon detection probability, ultra-low dark count rate and low timing jitter. The goal of Phase II will be to use innovative combinations of APD material structure design, material growth and detector fabrication to produce high gain and low excess noise APDs with the capability to produce photoreceivers with single photon sensitivities from visible to IR spectral bands. We will build on the Phase I results to develop and produce ultrasensitive and broad spectral-width APDs and integrate them with amplifiers and noise reduction components to produce the single photon receivers. At the end of Phase II the Company would deliver to DARPA or its designated contractor for evaluation and for insertion into the DoD biophotonic sensors, packaged and end-to-end tested 450-2500-nm biophotonic photoreceivers with >80% single photon detection probability and GHz bandwidth. During Phase II, Epitaxial Technologies will evaluate the manufacturing processes to improve uniformity, reliability, yields, and reduce cycle time and the cost of the single photon counting receivers.

Keywords:
Single Photon Detection, Avalanche Photodiode, Bio-Photonic Sensor, Qkd Secure Communication Receiver, Ladar Imaging.