Sequences of the ranged amplitudes as a universal method for fast noninvasive characterization of SPAD dark counts

TL;DR

This paper introduces a rapid, noninvasive method using sequences of ranked dark count intervals to identify conditions that minimize afterpulsing in SPAD detectors, improving their characterization.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel statistical approach based on ranked time intervals for efficient SPAD dark count analysis, reducing complexity and enhancing practical device characterization.

Findings

Effective in identifying conditions to suppress afterpulsing

Requires only a small number of dark counts for analysis

Simplifies the characterization process of SPAD detectors

Abstract

Single-photon detectors based on avalanche photodiodes (SPAD) are key elements of many modern highly sensitive optical systems. One of the bottlenecks of such detectors is a afterpulsing effect which limits a detection rate and requires an optimal hold-off time. In this letter we propose a novel approach for statistical analysis of SPAD dark counts and we demonstrate its usefulness for the search of the experimental condition where the afterpulsing effect can be strongly eliminated. This approach exploits a sequence of ranked time intervals between the dark counts and does not contain a complex mathematical analysis of the experimental data. We show that the approach can be efficiently applied for a small number of the dark counts and it seems to be very beneficial for practical characterization of SPAD devices.