APDs for Single-Photon Detection at Telecom Wavelengths

This paper presents a physical model for dark count rate and single-photon quantum efficiency of single-photon avalanche photodiodes. The model makes direct connections between the performance of single photon avalanche detectors and the physical parameters of the devices, which are useful for choosing commercial APDs to function in single-photon mode, designing APDs specifically for single-photon detection, and setting up suitable device operation conditions for optimal performance. Good agreement between the calculations and the experimental data from commercial InGaAs/InP APDs validates the model.