Characterization of avalanche photodiodes for lidar atmospheric return signal detectorsResults are presented from tests to characterize noise, dark current, overload, and gain versus bias, relationships of ten avalanche photodiodes. The advantages of avalanche photodiodes over photomultiplier tubes for given laser wavelengths and return signal amplitudes are outlined. The relationship between responsivity and temperature and dark current and temperature are examined. Also, measurements of the noise equivalent power, the excess noise factor, and linearity are given. The advantages of using avalanche photodiodes in the Lidar Atmospheric Sensing Experiment and the Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment are discussed.
Document ID
19900023087
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Antill, C. W., Jr. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Holloway, R. M. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)