Characterization of discrete amplification photon detector (DAPD) for long-range LiDAR applications

Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) is pivotal across industries like autonomous vehicles, mapping, and defense, requiring precise 3D spatial data attainable only through active sensing. Traditional detectors, such as linear mode or Geiger mode avalanche photodiodes (APDs), have limitations. Linear mode APDs (LM-APD) provide low-light sensing but with limited gain values, particularly costly in HgCdTe. Geiger mode APDs (GMAPD) offer greater sensitivity but operate as switches with a reset time, impacting efficiency. The discrete amplification photon detector (DAPD) aims to overcome these limitations by integrating negative feedback to quench avalanching gain, providing single-photon detection with faster reset times and high gain. We present characterization results of the DAPD, including sensitivity, background noise, and reset time, crucial for LiDAR viability. This advancement not only enhances LiDAR performance but also broadens its applications.